Since its inception in 1982, Banned Books Week has been observed annually by the American Library Association at libraries, schools and universities around the nation. Waynesburg University is joining the festivities again this year with a writing contest and an evening event. We celebrate Banned Books Week because as American citizens we can freely gather and talk about censorship, thinking critically about the connections between our values and what we read. This year, the American Library Association’s theme for the week is, "Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read,” inspiring our Writing Center’s writing contest discussion questions exploring American freedom and censorship.
For the contest, students should write a brief (500-800 word) response to one of the following questions:
- What does “freedom to read” mean in America?
- How does access to books ensure and/or demonstrate freedom?
To enter, students should email their response to Sarah Scott, sscott@waynesburg.edu by midnight on Oct. 5, 2026. The winner will be announced at the Banned Books Week Celebration on Oct. 7 at 5 p.m. and published in October’s Buzz Words.
To celebrate the freedom to read with us, first read your favorite banned book. Then, join us on Oct. 7 in Eberly Library to listen to banned book excerpts, discuss censorship, and play banned books trivia. Exercise your freedom to read and write and speak freely about both!
