SALEM – In celebration of Banned Books Week (October 5–11) and Let Freedom Read Day (October 11), the City of Salem invites residents to support the Banned Book Little Library, located in front of City Hall at 93 Washington Street.
“The freedom to read is a fundamental American value and a cornerstone of our democracy,” said Mayor Dominick Pangallo. “This right belongs to everyone. Reading is the foundation for lifelong learning and essential to exercising our democratic freedoms.”
According to the American Library Association (ALA), there were 821 attempts to censor library books and materials across the country in 2024, targeting 4,190 unique book titles. During that same time in Massachusetts, there were 20 attempts to restrict access to 22 titles.
Nearly 72% of all censorship demands originated from organized groups or government entities such as elected officials, board members, and administrators.
While these numbers represent a decrease from 2023’s record-setting figures, they still mark the third-highest number of censorship attempts ever recorded by the ALA. The majority of challenged books address the lives and experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals, Black and Indigenous people, and people of color.
“Banned Books Week is an excellent reminder that there are books written from every perspective, which may challenge assumptions and open up new possibilities,” said Tara Mansfield, Director of the Salem Public Library, “The Salem Public Library is committed to providing access to diverse books, and we encourage everyone to exercise their right to read.”
On Let Freedom Read Day, the City encourages all residents to take action in defense of the freedom to read whether by sharing information, speaking up against censorship, or donating a banned book to Salem’s Banned Book Little Library.
Residents can contribute by dropping off banned or challenged books at the Mayor’s Office in City Hall, or placing books directly inside the Banned Book Little Library located outside City Hall.
Not sure if your book has been challenged or banned? Explore lists of frequently challenged books through the ALA, including classics like Fahrenheit 451 and The Great Gatsby, as well as contemporary works like Looking for Alaska and Gender Queer at https://www.ala.org/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10/archive or visit the banned book display at the Salem Public Library (370 Essex Street, Salem).
