Celebrate with a Banned Books Lounge!

 I had the absolute pleasure of hosting a program in honor of Banned Books Week today called the Banned Books Lounge. This hour-long event was more than just a discussion—it was a celebration of our freedom to read, a time to reflect on the significance of intellectual freedom, and a space to share stories that have been challenged or banned over the years.

Throughout the hour, we explored the power of literature and why it’s so important to keep conversations about censorship alive. Some of my favorite books were part of the lineup: Catcher in the Rye, Charlotte's Web, The Giver, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and Where the Wild Things Are. These books have faced challenges for a variety of reasons, but today, we honored them for the impact they've had on readers of all ages.

One of the highlights for me was reading the Grand High Witch's speech from Roald Dahl's The Witches aloud to the group. It's a passage that’s been both feared and loved, and hearing it in this context reminded us all of the unique and sometimes controversial power of storytelling. The discussion that followed was totally amazing. We delved into the topic of censorship and how it affects our ability to engage in critical thinking. Together, we reflected on how banned books often challenge us to question the world around us, offer new perspectives, and help us connect with our shared history.

It was truly inspiring to hear everyone share their thoughts on why these books matter, and why the freedom to read should never be taken for granted. Banned Books Week is more than a time to celebrate the books we love—it’s a reminder of the importance of access to ideas, and the role libraries play in ensuring that these ideas remain available to all.

Celebrating Banned Books Week This Week!

 Banned Books Week is here!! And what better way to honor it than by setting up a “Read the Banned” book display at your library? This is a great opportunity to showcase a collection of YA and Juvenile books that have all ended up on the challenged or banned list sometime or another. I love creating book display that spark curiosity and conversation. My hope is that everyone will be encouraged to explore these powerful stories and understand why they’ve been challenged—and, more importantly, why they should read them!

I’m excited to have a Banned Books display at my library, because it gives everyone the freedom to pick up a book that someone, somewhere, thought they shouldn’t read. There’s something so empowering about that—knowing you’re choosing a story that’s been silenced, and getting to decide for yourself what it means to you.

How to Set It Up

The “Read the Banned” display should be as bold as the stories themselves. Think colorful, thought-provoking signs highlighting why these books were banned, and maybe even some quick facts about censorship. Stack the shelves with titles like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Eleanor & Park, The Hate U Give, and Speak. I guarantee the display will attract plenty of attention!

Encourage teens to check out a banned book, and don’t stop there—pair this display with a discussion program. Teens can come together to share their thoughts on the books they’ve picked, why they think these stories matter, and how censorship affects their ability to engage with the world. This is the perfect way to turn a simple book display into a meaningful community conversation.

Program Highlight: “Wall of Words” Activity

One of my favorite ideas for this week is the “Wall of Words”. Here’s how it works: after reading a banned book, teens can write their favorite quote or a line that impacted them on a sticky note, and then post it on the wall. By the end of the week, you’ll have an entire wall of words that represents the strength and beauty of these banned stories.

It will look amazing—each note will be a small act of rebellion against censorship and a powerful visual representation of how stories bring people together. Whether it’s a line that gave them strength, a quote that made them think, or a sentence that stayed with them long after the book was closed, this “Wall of Words” will reflect the incredible influence of literature, even when it’s been silenced.

Extra Fun: “I’ve Been Banned” Photo Booth

Here’s where we take it up a notch—set up a “jail cell” photo booth in the library with the words “I’ve Been Banned” above it. Teens (and anyone else!) can take photos in the booth to show their solidarity with banned books. I’ve done this before, and trust me, it’s a blast! It’s the perfect way to combine awareness with a little fun, and everyone walks away with a memorable photo from Banned Books Week.

You’ll be surprised by how many people want to take part, and the photo booth adds a lighthearted twist to an important conversation. It’s a great opportunity to post on social media and spread the message about the freedom to read!

Check Out Banned Books!

Banned Books Week is definitely about celebrating books— but it’s also about protecting our freedom to read. I've had lengthy discussions with my students and my own kids about books that get challenged and the consensus is that these books often hold a mirror up to society, dealing with tough topics like race, identity, sexuality, and the complexities of growing up. Yes, these are difficult topics, but by showcasing banned books and giving readers a chance to dive in, we’re saying loud and clear: these stories matter. 

Let’s make sure that everyone has the chance to read banned books and find themselves within their pages. And, my advice to you too is don’t forget to check out a banned book!