LA County Library is proud to champion the freedom to read, a fundamental right that empowers individuals, enhances understanding, and unlocks a world of possibilities. As part of our dedication to this cause, we invite our neighbors to join us in celebrating intellectual freedom and taking a stand against censorship, with events kicking off in honor of Banned Books Week (September 22 – 28) and continuing through the Freedom to Read Community Day of Action on October 19. This year’s month-long celebration will feature a series of dynamic programs and activities throughout September and October, including author talks, a reading challenge for teens, Student Summits with PEN America, and more. These activities are designed to inspire community participation, spark meaningful conversations, and emphasize the importance of access to diverse viewpoints in literature.

Why the Freedom to Read Matters:

“Reading enriches minds, broadens perspectives, and is essential for personal growth and societal advancement,” said Skye Patrick, County Librarian & CEO. “LA County Library remains dedicated to intellectual freedom, providing access to diverse books, and information for all. The Library stands against book bans and challenges directed at works by or about BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals, which attempts to erase their voices, identities, and cultures.”

Ways to Discover, Participate and Celebrate:

Visit a Library: Starting September 22, drop by any LA County Library location to share how you celebrate your freedom to read. Engage with our Freedom to Read displays, share your thoughts on a Post-it note, and collect an “I Read Banned Books” sticker! Many of our libraries are also offering great in-person events and activities.

Books Unbanned Reading Challenge for Teens: Readers ages 13 – 18 can celebrate the freedom to read by completing our online game, by logging a book they read and doing at least two suggested activities, for a chance to win a Kindle.

Student Summits with PEN America: In partnership with PEN America, and sponsored by LA County Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath and Holly J. Mitchell, LA County Library will host four Student Summits. These workshops will address growing threats to the freedom to read, bringing high school students together to meet youth advocacy leaders, enjoy a catered lunch, and win books and prizes.

• Saturday, September 21, 11 am – 3 pm: A C Bilbrew Library – Featuring Sherri L. Smith, the award-winning author of Flygirl and The Blossom and the Firefly.
• Saturday, September 28, 11 am – 3 pm: West Hollywood Library – Featuring a Drag Queen Teen Story Hour with Pickle, the Drag Laureate of the City of West Hollywood.
• Saturday, October 19, 11 am – 3 pm: San Fernando Library – Featuring Shaunelle Curry and Anaïs Maria Maseda from Media Done Responsibly and the Digital Truths Initiative.
• Saturday, October 26, 11 am – 3 pm: Carson Library – Featuring Shaunelle Curry and Anaïs Maria Maseda from Media Done Responsibly and the Digital Truths Initiative.

Join our Heart & Hand Book Talk series on Zoom:

• YA author Aminah Mae Safi on September 26 at 6 pm – Aminah Mae Safi is the award-winning author of Tell Me How You Really Feel and Travelers Along the Way: a Robin Hood Remix.
• Author Abdi Nazemian on October 15 at 6 pm – Abdi Nazemian, award-winning author of several books including Only This Beautiful Moment, Like a Love Story and Desert Echoes.

Freedom to Read Community Day of Action Watch Parties for Teens on October 19, 12 – 1:30 pm: Teens can watch recordings of the above Heart & Hand Book Talks, enjoy free lunch, and engage in discussions about the freedom to read and book banning. Giveaways will be provided by LA County Library Foundation. Participating libraries include East Los Angeles, Huntington Park, Lancaster, Manhattan Beach, and West Hollywood.

Books Unbanned Digital Card: To support California teenagers ages 13-18, LA County Library’s Books Unbanned initiative offers free and unrestricted access to the Library’s entire digital eBook and audiobook collection on Libby, by OverDrive, including many frequently banned titles. The Books Unbanned card allows five checkouts at a time and is valid for one year.

Join us in celebrating Banned Books Week and reaffirming the right to read freely. For more information and to register for event, visit LACountyLibrary.org/freedom-to-read.