Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read: Historical Books Bans (Table Event)

Though we are seeing an increase in book bans, it’s nothing new. Learn more about the history of book banning and hope it has changed over the years.

From The Great Gatsby to Harry Potter, classics and pop culture favorites alike have been banned, challenged or censored throughout history. Why? Because books have power—the power to spark imagination, inspire change and challenge the status quo.

Stop by our table to:

Explore the history of book bans and attempts at censorshipSee how censorship has shaped what people read (and what they weren’t allowed to)Learn about this year’s Banned Books Week theme “Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read.”Discover why intellectual freedom matters now more than ever

Don’t miss the highlight of the week: the 14th Annual Banned Books Read-Out on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, where students, faculty, staff and the community bring banned and challenged works to life.

Presented in partnership with the UD Department of English, this event is part of our campus-wide Banned Books Week programming, which celebrates the freedom to read and raises awareness about the dangers of censorship.