The American Library Association and Banned Books Week Coalition have themed Banned Books Week 2025: “Censorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights.” Banned Books Week will take place October 5 – 11, 2025. Hibbing Public Library is currently recognizing this with various posts on its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HibbingLibrary, including trivia posts in efforts to engage the public.
This year’s Banned Books Week theme reminds us that the right to read belongs to all of us, that censorship has no place in contemporary society, and that we must stand up and defend our rights to read. Check out a banned book or books about topics that are frequently targeted for censorship.#LetFreedomReadDay and #BannedBooksWeek!
With the escalation in attempts to ban books in libraries, schools, and bookstores around the country, George Orwell’s cautionary tale "1984" serves a prescient warning about the dangers of censorship. This year’s theme reminds us that the right to read belongs to all of us, that censorship has no place in contemporary society, and that we must defend our rights.
“The 2025 theme of Banned Books Week serves as a reminder that censorship efforts persist to this day,” ALA President Cindy Hohl said. “We must always come together to stand up for the right to read.”
ALA is a founding member of the Banned Books Week Coalition (bannedbooksweek.org), an international alliance of diverse organizations joined by a commitment to increase awareness of the annual celebration of the freedom to read.
Below are the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2024:
1. “All Boys Aren't Blue,” by George M. Johnson
2. “Gender Queer,” by Maia Kobabe
3. (TIE) “The Bluest Eye,” by Toni Morrison
3. (TIE) “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” by Stephen Chbosky
5. “Tricks,” by Ellen Hopkins
6. (TIE) “Looking for Alaska,” by John Green
6. (TIE) “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,” by Jesse Andrews
8. (TIE) “Crank,” by Ellen Hopkins
8. (TIE) “Sold,” by Patricia McCormick
10. “Flamer,” by Mike Curato