DEFY CENSORSHIP: Read a Banned Book!

What do Gender Queer, Maus and The Handmaid's Tale have in common? They’re among hundreds of books now banned from schools and libraries across the US — and the list is growing fast. PEN America, champions of literary freedom, report that educational gag orders are up 250% since 2021. This censorship silences authors, erodes freedom and denies young people access to stories that affirm LGBTQ+ identities, knowledge of history, and experiences of sexuality, racism and misogyny. Support the authors in our display of today's banned books — both online below and in-store — and join us in treasuring their voices. Banned Books Week is September 18-24, and our display lasts all month.