Banned Books Week takes place October 4–10, 2026. This year’s theme, “Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read,” is an invitation to celebrate the essential role that books, libraries, and readers play in a democratic community.
At the Palo Alto City Library, we believe that reading opens doors: to new ideas, lived experiences different from our own, difficult questions, imagination, and connection. Not every book will be right for every reader—and readers may disagree strongly about a book’s message, language, or subject matter. But the freedom to read means that individuals and families can make those choices for themselves.
A book challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict access to a book. A challenge does not necessarily result in a book being removed, but it can limit the opportunity for others to discover, read, and form their own opinions about it. Banned Books Week draws attention to both current and historical efforts to censor books in schools and libraries, while affirming that access to information and ideas matters.
The Palo Alto City Library is a place for curiosity, discovery, and lifelong learning. The Freedom to Read affirms the importance of making a broad range of ideas and perspectives available so that readers can think critically and make informed choices for themselves.
Our Collection Development Policy supports each customer’s fundamental right of access to knowledge, creativity, and intellectual activity. Our collections are developed to represent a wide range of interests, experiences, and viewpoints. At the same time, parents and legal guardians remain responsible for guiding their own children’s reading and borrowing choices.
Explore, Question, and Choose Your Next Read
Banned Books Week is a great time to revisit a familiar favorite, pick up a title that has sparked conversation, or try a book that offers a perspective new to you. Explore these Palo Alto City Library resources:
Banned and Challenged Book Lists
Browse staff-created reading lists featuring frequently challenged books, Banned Books Week selections, graphic novels, science fiction and fantasy, and more.
Movies on Kanopy
Use your library card to watch The Librarians (2025) or Banned Together (2025) on Kanopy.
Banned and Challenged Books on Hoopla
Hoopla has curated lists of banned and challenged eBooks and eAudiobooks to access with your library card.
How You Can Participate
During Banned Books Week—and throughout the year—you can support the freedom to read by:
- Checking out a challenged or banned book
- Exploring a staff-created reading list
- Talking with a friend, family member, or book club about a book that changed your perspective (learn more about upcoming book club meetings here)
- Reading across genres, viewpoints, and life experiences
- Sharing a book that helped you feel seen, helped you understand someone else’s experience, or made you think in a new way
Visit any of our 5 locations to find your next read!
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