Library Supports Freedom to Read During Banned Books Week

At Baltimore County Public Library, we adamantly support the freedom to read. We stand by our customers’ right to decide what content is appropriate for themselves and those in their care. This has been integral to our mission for more than 75 years and remains unchanged for present and future generations. This includes banned or challenged books, which is why we support Banned Books Week, running Sunday, September 22, through Saturday, September 28. The week launched in 1982 after a sudden rise in the challenges to books in bookstores, libraries and schools.  

Protecting the Freedom to Read 

In April 2024, Governor Wes Moore signed the Freedom to Read Act into law. It protects the right to access books and educational materials in public schools and libraries. This law prevents the removal of books and resources based on partisan, ideological or religious objections. It also prohibits retaliation against librarians and school staff when they uphold these standards. Maryland is one of the first states to take such a strong stance against censorship.  

Baltimore County Public Library is dedicated to fostering intellectual freedom, providing access to a broad range of information and ideas. We are committed to: 

• Educating and informing the public about their First Amendment rights. 
• Encouraging active citizenship for all to create a just and equitable society. 
• Serving as a convenor for all voices in our community to be heard and respected. 
• Providing reliable and accurate sources of information for making informed choices. 
• Presenting programs, collections and materials to promote human dignity, open dialogue and respect for diverse viewpoints. 

Our library system has an established Collection Development policy that helps us determine what material to put into the collection. We have the full policy posted on the policies page of this website. 

Show Your Support 

You, too, can support the freedom to read by: 

• Advocating for freedom of speech. 
• Joining or supporting advocacy groups. Engage with organizations like the American Library Association, EveryLibrary.org or local coalitions that fight censorship. 
• Raising awareness. Use social media, press and events to promote intellectual freedom. 
• Staying educated on the issue. Attend discussions or join a banned books book club to share with others the importance of diverse perspectives. 
• Engaging in public discourse. Write editorials, blog posts or letters to local newspapers and media outlets advocating against book bans.  

If you’d like a more visible sign of support, head into one of our branches and search for a Freedom to Read sticker. You can find them tucked into some of these books, as well as on banned book displays throughout the library.