METROPOLIS, IL – The Metropolis Public Library is set to participate in the national Banned Books Week observance, a campaign that celebrates the freedom to read and highlights the value of free and open access to information. Banned Books Week is held annually and, this year, runs from October 5 through October 11, 2025.
The event encourages readers to check out or read a frequently challenged book to stand up against censorship and support the vital role of libraries in providing diverse perspectives. Libraries across the country use this week to remind the public that attempts to ban books from shelves—whether in schools or public libraries—are an ongoing issue.
Colby Kennedy, Director of the Metropolis Public Library, emphasized the foundational nature of intellectual freedom in a statement to WMOK. “Intellectual freedom is important. It’s just one of those basic rights for a functional society,” Kennedy stated.
The books most often targeted for censorship attempts include titles that address race, racism, LGBTQ+ issues, and coming-of-age stories. The American Library Association(ALA) reports a continuing increase in book challenges nationwide, making this annual event more critical than ever.
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