Book bans are an attack on freedom to read, teach and learn

Laramie Pridefest Board Member, Tyler Wolfgang, displays a stack of books, some of which have been banned across the U.S. due to controversy, including “This Book is Gay,” in their office on the University of Wyoming campus in Laramie, Wyoming, on August 13. (Patrick T. Fallon/AFP)

Truth is a threat to authoritarianism. Reading is a path to truth. That’s why the freedom to read is essential to the freedom to learn. And that’s why the freedom to learn is often attacked by those who abuse power and those who cling to it.

Every year, the American Library Association and partner organizations observe Banned Books Week to highlight and push back against these threats. This year’s Banned Books Week runs from September 18-24 amidst a wave of book bans and other attempts to restrict what people can learn.