San Diego Public Library to showcase banned books 

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The San Diego Public Library (SDPL) will be honoring the 43rd annual “Banned Books Week,” by spotlighting various works next week. 

Last year, there were 821 attempts to censor library materials, according to the American Library Association (ALA). In 2024, 55% of challenges to ban or censor materials occur at public libraries.

“Intellectual freedom and the free flow of information and ideas are the cornerstones of an informed and engaged public,” SDPL Director Misty Jones said. 

The SDPL is recognizing many banned books this week from Oct. 5-Oct. 11 with the theme “Censorship is so 1984. Read for your rights.” Those interested can attend several events including: 

• Tuesday, banned book trivia night 5–6 p.m. (University Heights Library)   

• Tuesday, bookmaking workshop, 5-7:45 p.m. (Central Library) 

• Tuesday, PRIDE storytime with “Lil Miss Hot Mess,” 6-7 p.m. (Central Library) 

• Wednesday, “banned books are so 1984” 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. (Allied Gardens/Benjamin Library) 

• Thursday, trivia night at Ballast Point Little Italy, 6-8 p.m. 

• Friday, “Fahrenheit 451” screening and discussion, 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. (La Jolla/Riford Library) 

• Saturday, banned books bingo, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. (College-Rolando Library) 

“Censorship efforts — including attempts to restrict access to library materials — run counter to the mission of the San Diego Public Library,” Jones added. 

In the libraries “banned book testimonials,” employees shared their favorite banned reads and what the book means to them. Books listed include: “Maus” by Art Spiegelman, “1984” by George Orwell, “The Giver” by Lois Lowry and “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis. 

“1984 essentially reveals the mentality of dictators, autocrats, and tyrants, and the methods they use to oppress their peoples – and it’s as relevant today as it was when it was first written,” an SDPL employee named Steven shared. 

In another testimonial, an employee shared the importance of literature like Spiegelman’s “Maus,” a graphic novel that depicts his father’s experience during the Holocaust. 

“It does have a place in public libraries as an important story about a part of history that needs to be shared so that we will never forget and keep this from happening again,” Krystal said.  

A list of banned books can be found on the SDPL website.