Every year there are hundreds of challenges to books in schools and libraries in Oregon and across the United States. Banned Books Week, held annually during the last week of September, celebrates the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment. Meant to highlight the benefits of free and open access to information while drawing attention to the harms of censorship, the ACLU of Oregon celebrates this important occasion by hosting events, distributing “I read banned books” buttons to libraries and bookstores, and by publishing a list of books challenged in Oregon.


Oregonians have repeatedly said they do not want government deciding what they can read, see or hear. Banned Books Week is the perfect opportunity to exercise two of our most fundamental rights under the U.S. and Oregon Constitutions: the freedom of speech and expression, and the right to assemble. Attend one of our events, read a frequently challenged or banned book, and talk about the importance of the freedom to read with your friends, family, and neighbors.

Celebrate your freedom to read by attending one of our events and reading a banned book!
More about Banned Books Week

PORTLAND

Banned Books Reading at Powell’s Books
Sunday, September 25
7:30 p.m.
Powell’s City of Books
1005 W Burnside, Portland
FREE!

The ACLU of Oregon and Powell’s Books proudly present our annual Banned Books Reading! Andi Zeisler (Bitch magazine), Courtney Hameister (OPB’s Live Wire!), Jonathan Hill (Americus), B. Frayn Masters (Back Fence PDX), O. Henry award winning author Arthur Bradford (Dogwalker), and New York Times bestselling author Chelsea Cain (Heartsick, Sweetheart, Evil at Heart) raise their voices in support of freedom from censorship.

UNCENSORED Celebration
Saturday, October 1
8 p.m. - Midnight
Someday Lounge
125 NW 5th Ave, Portland
$7 at the door

Celebrate freedom of expression in style at the ACLU of Oregon’s Uncensored Celebration. Featuring performances by Burlesquire, Portland’s favorite ‘boy-lesque’ dance group; the party music of Purple & Green; and more. You don’t want to miss our annual party for freedom!

Plus, we’ll be giving away fabulous door prizes courtesy of Laurelhurst Market, Clyde Common, Crema, Zanana Spa, Murder by the Book, and Luna Hair Studios.

ACLU President Susan Herman at Powell’s Books
Monday, October 3
7:30 p.m.
Powell's City of Books
1005 W Burnside, Portland
FREE!

ACLU of Oregon and Powell’s Books are proud to welcome Susan Herman, ACLU national board president, to talk about her new book - Taking Liberties: The War on Terror and the Erosion of American Democracy. In this eye-opening work, Herman takes a hard look at the human and social costs of the War on Terror. This book is a wake-up call for all Americans, who remain largely unaware of the post-9/11 surveillance regime's insidious and continuing growth.


MULTNOMAH COUNTY LIBRARY
Banned Books Week events at various libraries. Check out their schedule here.

LANE COUNTY

Eugene Banned Books Read-Out!
Saturday, September 24
Noon – 2  p.m.
Eugene Public Library
100 W 10th Ave, Eugene
FREE!

The Lane County ACLU chapter is proud to organize this annual Eugene event to celebrate freedom of speech, intellectual freedom, and freedom from censorship! Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy will kick-off the readings.


Springfield Banned Books Read-Out!

Saturday, October 1
2  – 4 p.m.
Springfield Public Library
225 5th Street, Springfield
FREE!

The Lane County ACLU chapter is proud to organize this annual Springfield event to celebrate freedom of speech, intellectual freedom, and freedom from censorship! Springfield Mayor Christine Lundberg will kick-off the readings. 

NEWPORT

Banned Books Panel
Tuesday, September 27
7 p.m.
Newport Library

For the fourth year in a row, the Newport Library has invited six speakers to read selections from books that have been challenged or banned.