Banned Books Week

Each year the Office of Intellectual Freedom, part of the American Library Association, provides information and publicizes events for Banned Books Week. An annual celebration of the freedom to read, each year’s observance features a list of the top ten most challenged books of the previous year.

Most often, the list has included multiple titles with sexual content. Some were fiction books deemed too explicit for the intended audience. Others were fiction or nonfiction that focused on LGBTQ+ individuals. Books that describe sexual abuse, particularly of children, have also been singled out and challenged.

This year’s list contains some similarly themed titles. But it also includes books on race and racism. Interestingly, some are cited because they are described as perpetuating racism. Others, that explore the concept of systemic racism, are identified as being divisive or too narrowly focused.

Taken together, the books on this year’s list show clearly what topics concern us. Not all of them—and maybe none of them, really—are comfortable reads. But they offer opportunities to examine our beliefs, have some hard conversations and consider the society we are building together.

For more reading on the history of censorship, check out our recent booklist on the topic.

You can sign up for a free library card here. If you are new to our eResources, check out these tutorial videos on how to get started.

Looking for a good book, album, movie or TV show? We’re happy to recommend them to you! Use this Personalized Recommendations form to send us some information about what you like and we’ll curate a list just for you.

If you have any additional questions, you can contact a librarian through FacebookInstagram or Twitter. You can also call us at 412.622.3114 or email us at info@carnegielibrary.org.


All American Boys

When sixteen-year-old Rashad is mistakenly accused of stealing, classmate Quinn witnesses his brutal beating at the hands of a police officer who happens to be the older brother of his best friend. Told through Rashad and Quinn’s alternating viewpoints. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby or as eAudio on OverDrive/Libby.






Something Happened in Our Town : A Child's Story About Racial Injustice

After discussing the police shooting of a local Black man with their families, Emma and Josh know how to treat a new student who looks and speaks differently than his classmates. Includes an extensive Note to Parents and Caregivers that provides general guidance about addressing racism with children, child-friendly vocabulary definitions, conversation guides, and a link to additional online resources for parents and teachers. You can also check out this title as eAudio on OverDrive/Libby or as eAudio on Hoopla.