As a school librarian, I like to think my role goes beyond just stacking books and shushing excitable young people. It extends to nurturing developing minds, encouraging critical thinking, and championing intellectual freedom. That’s why Banned Books Week holds a special place in my heart, and I was beyond excited to mark it at St Thomas Aquinas this year.

Banned Books Week is an annual event that unites school libraries across the world in celebration of the freedom to read, while calling for us all to reflect on the challenges that literature often faces. It’s an opportunity for educators, students, parents, and the entire community to come together and explore the profound significance of preserving open access to information and ideas.

First and foremost, Banned Books Week serves as a stark reminder of the enduring importance of intellectual freedom. The act of banning or challenging books reflects attempts to limit knowledge and restrict the free exchange of ideas. By highlighting these challenges, we teach our students that a society that values diverse perspectives and critical thinking must defend the right to read, even when confronted with controversial or unconventional ideas. Freedom of expression is a fundamental democratic right, and it’s up to young people to carry on defending it against those who would have their freedoms curtailed.

Moreover, Banned Books Week is an opportunity to introduce students to a range of literary works that have faced censorship attempts. It provides a window into the world of thought-provoking, boundary-pushing literature that may otherwise be overlooked. When we engage with these books, we encourage students to think critically, form their own opinions, and participate in meaningful discussions about important topics.

In school libraries, Banned Books Week can spark dialogue about the value of free expression, diversity, and inclusion. It prompts students to question why certain books are targeted for removal or restriction, and encourages them to develop a deeper understanding of the power of storytelling. It teaches them that literature can be a mirror reflecting the endless variety of human experiences, and a window into worlds they might never have encountered otherwise. Coming into contact with these diverse life experiences in turn fosters empathy and helps create connections across society.

Banned Books Week is an invaluable opportunity for school libraries to nurture intellectual growth, promote freedom of thought, and celebrate the rich tapestry of literature that makes up our world. It reminds us that the freedom to read is a precious right, one that we must actively protect and promote. By observing Banned Books Week, we empower our students to become critical thinkers, engaged citizens, and lifelong readers who have all the necessary tools to build a brighter future for us all.

Find out more about Banned Books Week and the Let Freedom Read campaign on the official website.