Banned Books Week, September 27-October 3

What is a banned book? Do people really still try to stop information these days? You'd be surprised.

Librarians continue to have groups and individuals attempt to prevent access to certain books. Over the years, books in the library have been both banned and challenged. What's the difference?

A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict material, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others. Due to the commitment of librarians, teachers, parents, students and other concerned citizens, most challenges are unsuccessful and most materials are retained in the school curriculum or library collection. American Library Association