Let Freedom Read Day is a national day of action during Banned Books Week. On October 11, 2025, take one simple step to defend the freedom to read and support librarians, educators, booksellers, and authors in your community.
Why Let Freedom Read Day matters
Book challenges remain elevated. ALA tracked 821 censorship attempts in 2024, involving 2,452 unique titles, which is far above pre-2020 levels.
PEN America recorded 6,870 school book ban instances in the 2024–2025 year across 23 states and 87 districts, with bans concentrated in Florida and Texas.
ALA’s 2025 snapshot notes many challenges were driven by organized groups or officials, while courts and some states affirmed the right to read.
Banned Books Week 2025 runs October 5–11 with the theme “Censorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights.”
Do this in 5 minutes
- Contact your library. Ask how you can help protect access to challenged titles. Use email or a quick call.
- Ask school leaders to keep professional review processes in place for book challenges.
- Post support on social with #LetFreedomReadDay and #BannedBooksWeek. Tag your library.
- Learn the facts. Read ALA’s data summary on recent challenge trends.
- Sign up with a coalition group fighting bans in your state. PEN America and Unite Against Book Bans provide action tools.
Plan or join an event
Join a local program during Banned Books Week or host a small gathering. Coalitions offer turnkey guides and calendars.
| Time you have | At home | At school or library | In your community |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15–30 minutes | Borrow a frequently challenged title and leave a thank-you note for staff. | Ask about the reconsideration policy and where it lives on the website. | RSVP to a Banned Books Week event near you. |
| 1–2 hours | Host a family read-aloud of a challenged book and discuss why it matters. | Invite a librarian or teacher to speak to your PTA about intellectual freedom. | Organize a “read-in” and share photos with official hashtags. |
| Half day | Create a freedom-to-read display at home or online. | Co-host an author Q&A on book bans and creative freedom. | Plan a Day of Action event with speakers using coalition toolkits. |
Ideas for authors and publishers
- Offer a library event or virtual visit. Share how access to books shaped your work.
- Donate a set of challenged titles to a local classroom or Little Free Library.
- Publish a short statement on your author site and link to official action pages.
- Partner with a bookstore for a read-in or banned-books display during the week.
How to talk with leaders
Keep it simple. Thank them for serving students and families. Ask them to follow the district’s policy, rely on professional reviews, and protect all readers. Share current, reputable data on challenges.
Official resources and further reading
- Let Freedom Read Day details and shareable graphics.
- Banned Books Week calendar and event finder.
- ALA book ban data and reporting portal.
- PEN America book bans hub with the 2024–2025 index.
The bottom line
Mark October 11 on your calendar, choose one action, and do it. Small steps add up. Stand with the people who protect access to stories and information for everyone.
FAQs
When is Let Freedom Read Day?
It is Saturday, October 11, 2025, during Banned Books Week.
What is the theme of Banned Books Week 2025?
The theme is “Censorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights.” The week runs October 5–11, 2025.
Are book bans really increasing?
ALA and PEN America both report high levels of challenges and bans over the last year, far above pre-2020 baselines.
How can I help if I have very little time?
Share a supportive post with the official hashtags, thank your local library staff, and sign up for alerts from coalition groups.
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