Banned Books Week 2026
Banned Books Week is Oct. 4-10, 2026.
Save the date: Banned Books Week is scheduled for Oct. 4-10, 2026. PEN America is part of the Banned Books Week Coalition shining a spotlight on the freedom to read each year. We invite readers, authors, educators, librarians, and everyone who opposes censorship to get involved during Banned Books Week 2026. Learn more about PEN America’s groundbreaking research and how you can take action!
What you need to know:
PEN America recorded 6,870 instances of book bans in the 2024-2025 school year.
Book bans were recorded in 23 states and 87 public school districts, with Florida and Texas leading.
Those book bans affected the works of 2,308 authors, 243 illustrators, and 38 translators.
Our Latest Findings
The Normalization of Book Banning
In 2025, book censorship in the United States is rampant and common. Never before in the life of any living American have so many books been systematically removed from school libraries across the country. For many students, families, educators, librarians, and school districts, book banning is a new normal.
2026 Events
Stay tuned and join us at a Banned Books Week event near you!
Take Action
Write to Your Elected Officials
Let your state and federal elected officials know you oppose censorship and support public schools and libraries, diverse books, and the value they bring to your communities.
Read a Banned Book
The most banned books of the 2024-25 school year include A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess, Sold, by Patricia McCormick, Last Night at the Telegraph Club, and A Court of Mist and Fury, by Sarah J. Maas.
Read a Banned Picture Book
Books for young adults and adults aren’t the only targets. The most frequently banned picture books include gay or transgender characters or naked butts — human or otherwise.
Stand Together for the Freedom to Read
Join PEN America and dozens of literacy and advocacy organizations in our pledge to fight censorship and book banning efforts around the country.
Help PEN America Fight Book Bans
PEN America is the leading organization fighting book bans, protecting the freedom to read, and ensuring that people everywhere have the freedom to create literature, convey information and ideas, and express their views. Please join us today.
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