Banned Books Week is back at the San Diego Public Library (SDPL) for its annual spotlight on literary censorship efforts and celebration of the right to read. Now in its 43^rd year nationwide, Banned Books Week’s theme for 2025 is “Censorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights.” The week is recognized nationwide and takes place from Sunday, Oct. 5 to Saturday, Oct. 11, which is Let Freedom Read Day.  

According to the American Library Association (ALA), 2024 saw 821 attempts to censor library materials and services, with 2,452 unique titles challenged. While these numbers are lower than 2023, they continue to exceed those prior to 2020. This year, ALA has named award-winning actor and civil rights activist George Takei as honorary chair of Banned Books Week.  

“Intellectual freedom and the free flow of information and ideas are the cornerstones of an informed and engaged public,” said Public Library Director Misty Jones. “Censorship efforts — including attempts to restrict access to library materials — run counter to the mission of the San Diego Public Library.” 

SDPL will host events throughout Banned Books Week to raise awareness of censorship attempts and encourage learning without limits. Banned Books trivia nights will be held for teens at University Heights Library at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7, and for adults at Ballast Point Brewing in Little Italy at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9. Additional events include a Banned Books edition of Pride Storytime, bookmaking workshops and screenings of films based on books that have been challenged. For more information on Banned Books Week, staff-curated lists of banned books for all ages and other SDPL programs, visit the library’s website. 

In partnership with San Diego Library Foundation, SDPL is also a proud participating library in the Books Unbanned program, which allows anyone ages 12 to 26 living in the United States free access to SDPL’s online collection of banned or restricted eBooks and eAudiobooks.