CSW LIBRARY x BANNED BOOKS

SILENT READ-IN

What is a silent-read in?

Freedom to read is a fundamental pillar to upholding democracy. For Banned Books Week 2025, join the CSW Library for a silent read-in to demonstrate your support in the fight against book bans. Stop in for all or part of the read-in, survey a selection of banned books available for you to browse, sit down and silently read one, and maybe check it out to take home with you on your way out the door.

THE DETAILS

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the library

Bring yourself; drag a friend. Sit with a book for the length or for just part -- grab some swag and support!

WHAT IS BANNED BOOKS WEEK?

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.

This year, Banned Books Week will be observed from Sunday, October 5 to Saturday, October 11, 2025.

Banned by the numbers

New data shows that the majority of book censorship attempts are now originating from organized movements. Pressure groups and government entities that include elected officials, board members, and administrators initiated 72% of demands to censor books in school and public libraries.

Interested in learning more? Check out the American Library Association's Annual Report on the landscape of challenges or PEN America's latest report on the normalization of book banning. Don't forget to also make yourself aware of the CSW Library's Mission and Collection Development Policy while you are at it!

Graphic Provided by ALA

BROWSE THE CSW LIBRARY COLLECTION

Check out this digital collection of frequently challenged and banned materials that the CSW library currently holds (particularly helpful if you aren't able to stop by for the read-in).

Please feel free to let the library staff know if you are interested in checking anything out.

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