Banned Books Week (September 22–28, 2024) is back, and if you’re thinking, “Wait, we’re still banning books in 2024?”—yes, yes, we are. 4,240 unique titles were targeted for censorship in 2023, a staggering 65% increase from the previous year. As Farmington residents, it’s time we took a stand because this isn’t just happening in far-flung places. The battle over who gets to decide what we read could come knocking on our town library doors any day.
The Stats: Censorship on the Rise 📈
According to the American Library Association (ALA), 1,269 demands to censor books were filed in 2023. This isn’t some fringe issue—it’s a coordinated assault on intellectual freedom. What’s especially alarming is that nearly half of the books targeted focus on LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC voices. The goal is clear: erase these stories from public access.
We’ve come far since Fahrenheit 451, but not far enough. The sheer number of challenges is unprecedented, and this wave of censorship is washing up in public libraries—not just schools—at an alarming rate. Public libraries saw a 92% increase in banned books last year. Don’t think it couldn’t happen here in Farmington because once a movement like this gets rolling, it’s hard to stop.
What’s Really at Stake: More Than Just Books 📖
Banning a book is about more than limiting access to stories—controlling ideas. Imagine growing up in a world where you can’t read about people who look like you or share your experiences. By censoring these voices, we’re not just silencing authors but stunting our collective ability to understand, empathize, and grow as a community.
Libraries are supposed to reflect their communities. If we allow books to be pulled from the shelves because a vocal few feel “uncomfortable,” what’s next? The fact that Banned Books Week even needs to exist in 2024 is proof that this isn’t some hypothetical threat. It’s here. Now.
How Farmington Can Push Back 💪
Farmington, this isn’t just a big-city problem. The forces pushing censorship are well-funded and well-organized and will not disappear soon. What can you do?
- Read a Banned Book: Check out the ALA’s list of most frequently banned books and pick one up. You’d be surprised at some titles people want to keep off the shelves.
- Support Your Library: Visit your local library and show them that Farmington values free access to information. Libraries are on the frontlines of this battle and need your support.
- Spread the Word: Use social media to amplify the importance of Banned Books Week. It’s not just about reading a “forbidden” book—it’s about taking a stand against censorship.
Thanking Our Sponsor (Because They’re Awesome) 😏
Before I wrap this up, a cheeky shoutout to Farmington Storage—the only storage facility in Connecticut with museum-quality air. (That’s right, museum air.) So whether you’re stashing old copies of 1984 or need space for your ever-growing collection of banned books, they’ve got you covered. And no, they won’t ban your books… just your bad storage habits.
Jack Beckett
Coffee-fueled writer, proud defender of free speech, and committed to keeping Farmington informed one slow news story at a time. Check out more of our in-depth opinion pieces in The Farmington Mercury. Don’t miss our coverage of everything from local zoning to the Farmington High School buzz.
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