Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. Banned Book Week 2026 is held from October 4 through October 10. The annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community-librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types-in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas. Books are not banned at Bookends Kailua where you can find just about any book you want to read!