Oct. 5, 2025 – Banned Books Week is Oct. 5-11, and the library is celebrating the freedom to read! Join us as we highlight books that have inspired, challenged, and connected readers everywhere.
We asked our staff, as well as Library Board and Library Foundation Board members what reading freely means to them. Some of their answers are sprinkled throughout this blog post, and we'll be highlighting them on social media throughout the week.
"Reading freely means the ability to explore ideas and stories that can reinforce your own ideas and let you feel a sense of belonging in this world. It is also the ability to challenge and expand ideas that you haven't had to think about in your life experience. Both of these statements can exist if we can freely read."
- Sean Williams, Library Foundation Board member
Banned Books Week launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of book challenges in libraries, schools, and bookstores. Held in the last week of September or first week of October, the annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community — librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas. Read more about the history of book banning both locally and nationally on our Freedom to Read timeline.
"Reading freely means that everyone has the right to choose what they want to read free of restrictions. Reading can be helpful for so many different reasons, whether you want to feel challenged or comforted, whether you're pursuing newfound knowledge, whether you want to better understand current events or escape into a different world for a few hours, whether you're looking to work through heavy emotions or seeking hope for a better future – and having the freedom to choose allows you to do so free of judgement."
- Maria Jose E., Programming Librarian
At the Cedar Rapids Public Library, our mission is "Welcome to All." We believe libraries are for everyone. We protect your right to explore, question, and grow. We are committed to the free and open exchange of ideas. We facilitate your access to information free of judgment.
This week, and every week, we invite you to be part of our celebration of the freedom to read. Borrow a banned book - we have a display of banned and challenged books at the library, the American Library Association shared the top ten most challenged books of 2024 earlier this year.
Saturday, Oct. 11, is Let Freedom Read Day, when everyone is encouraged to take action to support libraries and the freedom to read. To participate, sign up for our Advocacy Alerts, share your library story, and download our Advocacy Toolkit on our Advocacy page.
"Reading freely means having the freedom to choose what you want to read without censorship or limitations. Freedom of choice encourages: exploring different perspectives; discovering new ideas and cultures; and building critical thinking skills by comparing different viewpoints."
- Chris Casey, Library Board member