Submitted by the Lopez Library staff

Banned Books Week is an annual event during the week of Sept. 24, celebrating the freedom to read and express ideas, even those considered unorthodox or unpopular.

Since 1990, the American Library Association has recorded more than 10,000 book challenges made, about half in schools or school libraries, and a quarter in public libraries. Challenges are not simply an expression of a point of view. They attempt to remove the material from public use, restricting other people’s access to information.

Thanks to the commitment of librarians, teachers, parents, and students, most challenges are unsuccessful and books like “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” “Slaughterhouse Five,” the Harry Potter series and the Hunger Games series remain available.

Stop by the Lopez Library to see our display of banned books. Be a rebel. Read a banned book!