Protecting the right to read

Yesterday marked the beginning of  Banned Books Week, and the urgency of defending the freedom to read has never been more apparent. Across the nation, communities are grappling with the rising trend of book bans and challenges, which have profound implications for students, educators and families. 

Africa Hands, assistant professor of information science at the University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education and former public library worker, shares her insights on why Banned Books Week is critical and what it means for the future of education and community values.

For over four decades, Banned Books Week has served as a focal point for discussing the freedom to read and the dangers of censorship. 

“It’s really important that Banned Books Week continues because it provides a time when these conversations can happen,” Hands said.

She emphasizes that with the increasing diversity of voices in literature, these discussions are more vital than ever. “We see books being written that really showcase people’s lives, and as we see that, we also see these books being challenged or banned.”

Book bans don’t just limit access to diverse perspectives—they can have profound implications for students who see themselves in these stories. “It’s a form of erasure,” Hands explained. “For students, seeing themselves in a story could be life-giving. We can’t just exclude people who are in our communities and wipe them away by saying, ‘We’re not going to read about them.’” 

Hands offers actionable advice for those looking to support libraries and advocate for inclusive collections:

• Educators: Attend board meetings or district meetings to stay informed and to speak up on behalf of diverse communities. Reading challenged or banned books yourself can also add your voice to the conversation, enabling you to engage critically with colleagues and counter misinformation.
• Parents: Engage with your local library by requesting books that meet your family’s needs. This involvement helps library staff recognize community interests and maintain diverse collections. If you encounter books that aren’t suitable for your children, remember that not every family is like your own.
• Information science professionals: Ensure that your library has up-to-date collection policies and that staff are informed about ongoing challenges in nearby communities. Familiarize yourself with resources from the American Library Association to support planning Banned Books Week events and reporting instances of censorship. “Banned Books Week is a time when library professionals can educate their communities about banned books and the freedom to read and encourage people to read freely,” said Hands. 

Though Buffalo has not seen significant issues with book banning, Hands cautions against complacency. She advises that communities and libraries be prepared with updated policies and a readiness to advocate for the freedom to read.

“It can happen in any community. Sometimes, it’s one parent with a lot of time who files multiple reports,” she said. “We live in vibrant communities, and you can’t assume it won’t happen here.”