"The pursuit of knowing was freedom to me, the right to declare and follow your curiosities through all manner of books. I was made for the library…The library was open, unending, free."—Ta-Nehisi Coates from Between the World and Me

One of the aspects of reading that I've always loved is the sense of freedom that a good book can give me. When it comes to reading, the freedom to dream, hope, learn, be inspired, and be imaginative are all freedoms I've experienced through books. However, not all books are allowed to be freely seen and read. There is an unfortunate history of book banning in the United States, sometimes in schools and sometimes in public libraries. In celebration of those books that have a history of being banned, the American Library Association every year celebrates Banned Books Week. Traditionally, this week is a time of awareness and highlighting great books that have been challenged, disputed, and banned.

Here at the Los Angeles Public Library, we are celebrating Banned Book Week in a variety of ways. One way includes offering a collection of eBooks that have been historically challenged or banned in the U.S., according to the American Library Association. There are no waitlists for any title in this special collection!

We are also offering a collection of eBooks, both fiction and non-fiction, that are specifically about book banning. All eBooks are available to download 24/7 through our Libby app. No separate registration is required for Libby. If you have a valid Los Angeles Public Library card, you are good to go.

One way you can celebrate Banned Books Week is by reading whatever you want, whenever you want! The Los Angeles Public Library can help you in such reading endeavors. I hope you enjoy exercising your freedom to read at no cost with your free library card. Your library has a book for you.