When looking at the state of book banning in the US, things can often seem dire. 2025 marked the second-highest number (4,235) of unique titles challenged—just behind 2023’s record of 4,240. Efforts to censor books (an outsized number of which focus on LGBTQIA+ themes), attacks on library materials and services, and targeted pieces of legislation have shown no signs of slowing down.
However, an equally strong confluence of organizations, annual events, and initiatives have arisen in response to these attacks, countering censorship with greater access to information and empowering others to get involved themselves. Among these, Banned Books Week continues to be an invaluable time to build community, circulate information about book banning, and advance the fight for freedom of literacy.
For those wanting to take a more active role in promoting banned books, connecting with one of the myriad organizations that continue to work on the forefront of this effort represents one potential avenue. Such groups include Books Unbanned, which provides teens across the country with free digital library cards that grant them access to restricted titles—a valuable resource for people advocating for youth literacy. Unite Against Book Bans, an initiative by the American Library Association, offers guidance and support to those opposing book bans on a local level. They have readily available resources such as action toolkits and book resumes people can use when defending challenged titles.
The nonprofit Little Free Library’s website details how their book-sharing boxes can protect access to banned titles. For those who want to start one in their own community, Sigma Tau Delta has partnered with LFL to offer a pathway for chapters to attain a Little Free Library box at a discount (with a Sigma Tau Delta plaque!)
Banned Books Week also offers a prime opportunity to take to your own campuses and communities and host banned book-related events. For the past few years at my university, for instance, we have hosted a virtual bookshelf activity in which people can view and learn more about some of the most commonly banned titles. Sigma Tau Delta’s Book Club Kits over frequently banned classics such as The Great Gatsby and Of Mice and Men are another great resource when facilitating virtual or in-person banned book discussions. No matter what it is—from giving presentations, to hosting reading marathons, to creating displays—any activity that starts a conversation around banned books can be a valuable contribution to the campaign.
So, instead of letting pessimism win out, I encourage people to recognize the robust options we have to help counter censorship and to use Banned Books Week as yet another chance to bring others into the fold. As we face such aggressive pushes on all these fronts, there’s only one thing we can do: keep pushing right back.
Isaiah Russell
Senior Student Advisor, 2026-2027
Rho Psi Chapter, President
Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS
2026 Banned Books Week Social Media Contest
In celebration of Banned Books Week (October 4 – 10, 2026), Sigma Tau Delta, NEHS, and the ELA Honor Society are teaming up to host the eleventh annual Banned Books Week social media contest. To participate you must tag us in a post on any of the following social media accounts:
- Sigma Tau Delta Facebook
- Sigma Tau Delta Twitter (@EnglishCon)
- English Honor Societies Instagram (@EnglishMatters)
What to do in Your Post:
Books are banned for a variety of reasons. Take your own original photo of your favorite banned book and share with us (on one social media platform) one of the reasons it has been contested. If you wish to post on a second platform, please choose a second banned book to post about.
The contest will run October 4 – 10, 2026. Everyone who participates during this time frame will be entered in a drawing to win one of three $25 Bookshop.org gift cards. A $50 Bookshop.org gift card will also be awarded for the best overall post. Select submissions will be shared across our social media platforms.
Resources
I’m with the Banned: Creative Writing and its Inherent Ability to Challenge the Status Quo
Beyond Banned Books Week: What Can We ACTUALLY DO to Protect Literary Freedom?
I’m With the Banned: The Whys and Hows of Banned Books Week
Troubling Trends in Book Censorship
Milton and Paradise Reimagined: Book Censorship Today
George Orwell and Recent Censorship
Don’t Burn the Books
How Old is Holden Caulfield?: Censoring a Teenage Narrator in an Adult Book from Teenage Eyes
Why Books Depicting Violence are Important
Banned Books: Stand Up for What Moves You
Banned Books: Symbols of Positive Ideological Shifts
What Intellectual Freedom Is—And Why and How We Ought to Preserve It
Sigma Tau Delta
Sigma Tau Delta, International English Honor Society, was founded in 1924 at Dakota Wesleyan University. The Society strives to
- Confer distinction for high achievement in English language and literature in undergraduate, graduate, and professional studies;
- Provide, through its local chapters, cultural stimulation on college campuses and promote interest in literature and the English language in surrounding communities;
- Foster all aspects of the discipline of English, including literature, language, and writing;
- Promote exemplary character and good fellowship among its members;
- Exhibit high standards of academic excellence; and
- Serve society by fostering literacy.
With over 900 active chapters located in the United States and abroad, there are more than 1,000 Faculty Advisors, and approximately 9,000 members inducted annually.
Sigma Tau Delta also recognizes the accomplishments of professional writers who have contributed to the fields of language and literature.
