Banned Books Week is going on from October 5 till 11, 2025. This is an annual international event dedicated to supporting and defending the freedom to read. Spearheading this year’s edition are two distinguished honorary chairs: George Takei—renowned actor, author, and civil rights advocate—and Iris Mogul, youth honorary chair.
Banned Books Week highlights the urgent importance of intellectual freedom and creative expression as fundamental human rights. Every year, countless works of literature, art, and scholarship face bans and challenges in communities around the world—often targeting works that explore themes of identity, social justice, and lived truth. These challenges not only threaten the diversity of information and ideas but also silence vital stories and perspectives.
At Mimeta, we stand for the right of all artists and storytellers to share their work freely, without fear of censorship or suppression. We encourage you to participate by reading challenged books, attending local events, supporting your libraries, and amplifying the voices of authors.
Banned Books Week is not a single, centralized event held in one physical location, but rather a decentralized, international campaign uniting libraries, bookstores, schools, and advocacy groups around the world in support of the freedom to read and resistance to censorship. The campaign is coordinated by the American Library Association, Index on Censorship, PEN America, and the Banned Books Week Coalition. There is no official “host city” or main venue for the event as a whole
Key Contexts
United States: The campaign is especially prominent in the U.S., with events organized by local libraries, bookstores, and universities in every state. Press releases from the American Library Association are based in Chicago, but the campaign is truly nationwide, with hundreds of locations hosting displays, readings, panels, and other activities to raise awareness about censorship.
United Kingdom: In 2025, Index on Censorship is coordinating Banned Books Week UK, inviting libraries, booksellers, and schools across the country to participate. Hay Festival Global and the International Publishers Association are also partners.
Globally: The reach of Banned Books Week is expanding, with participating organizations in many countries. However, most activities remain local: check your nearest library, bookstore, or cultural centre for events in your area during the week of October 5–11, 2025.
Virtual Participation: Many events offer online participation or social media campaigns, especially for those in regions without physical gatherings. Online directories, such as the Banned Books Week Coalition’s events page, help users find activities nearby or online.
Follow social media campaigns from organizations like PEN America, Amnesty International, and Index on Censorship for virtual opportunities.
Banned Books Week 2025 is coming up – October 5–11!
This annual international campaign defends the freedom to read and celebrates intellectual freedom. Spearheaded this year by George Takei and youth honorary chair Iris Mogul, Banned Books Week highlights the urgent need to protect creative expression from censorship.
🔗 Learn more at bannedbooksweek.org
#BannedBooksWeek #FreedomToRead #IntellectualFreedom #CreativeExpression #StopCensorship #GeorgeTakei #IrisMogul
