Document Type

Paper

Publication Date

10-2025

Abstract

Every year, the American Library Association (ALA sponsors “Banned Books Week” as an opportunity to celebrate free expression and open access to information. In articulating the importance of the event, the ALA states the following:

Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. Held in the last week of September or first week of October, the annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community — librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas (Banned Books Week, 2025).

Banned Books Week 2025 was held from October 5 to October 11. As this event seeks to foster conversation (both online and offline) about themes related to book banning and censorship, it represents an excellent opportunity to consider social media conversations related to these themes. To that end, this report will consider social media posts that focus on book ban related topics and their presentation in the social media space. To better contextualize this investigation, unpacking the meaning of “book banning” is essential.

Publisher

Joetta Di Bella and Fred C. Sautter III Center for Strategic Communication

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