Banned Books Week

Freedom of expression is increasingly restricted, and book bans are on the rise around the world. During Banned Books Week, we highlight the importance of free speech and everyone’s right to read. At the library’s exhibition, you can explore examples of books that have been banned somewhere in the world.

What is a banned book?

• A book that is not permitted to be published or sold.
• A book that has been censored by authorities or by the author themselves.
• A book that has been made inaccessible to readers, for example by being
• removed from libraries and schools or by having age restrictions imposed on it.

The library exhibition

In the library exhibition, we have collected books that are or have been banned in different parts of the world. You are welcome to borrow books from the exhibition, but we kindly ask you to wait until the end of the week so that as many visitors as possible can view them first.

You will also find examples of banned books on our social media – follow us on Instagram!

Banned Books Week Sweden is organised by the Dawit Isaak Library in Malmö and PEN Sweden, and takes place 6–12 October.