San Diego Public Library Promotes Literary Accessibility and Freedom During Banned Books Week

Free events and programs are happening at San Diego Public Library (SDPL) locations to celebrate Banned Books Week this week through Saturday, Oct. 10. This year’s theme is “Let books be. Protect the freedom to read.”

Each year, the Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) at the American Library Association (ALA) documents censorship attempts made at public, school and academic libraries. In 2025, there were 4,235 unique titles challenged — just five titles short of the all-time high set in 2023 — with 92% of challenges initiated by pressure groups, government officials and decision makers.

The overwhelming majority of people recognize the importance of literary freedom,” said Library Director Misty Jones. “Unimpeded access to books, information and educational material that encourage innovative thinking and challenge our points of view remains integral to the mission of the San Diego Public Library.”

Events celebrating Banned Books Week aim to raise awareness of censorship attempts and encourage accessible information and literature. The final day of Banned Books Week is Saturday, Oct. 10, known as Let Freedom Read Day , and is a call to action for readers to take one step toward fighting censorship.