Banned Books Week is an annual event that runs from October 5–11. This year’s theme, “Censorship Is So 1984,” highlights the increasing challenges and bans faced by books across the U.S. The event serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to actively protect our freedom to read and access diverse perspectives.

What is a Challenge vs. a Ban?

According to the American Library Association (ALA):

• A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict access to a book or resource.
• A ban occurs when this attempt is successful – the book is removed from shelves, restricted, or made unavailable.

The Numbers Behind Banned Books Week

In 2024, the ALA recorded 821 censorship attempts targeting 2,452 unique titles, one of the highest numbers on record. Most bans took place in school and public libraries, with books relating to race, gender identity, and sexuality being frequent targets.

Since 1990, the ALA has tracked the censorship of books across the country. The statistics have been trending higher for decades, and they remind us of the critical importance of protecting access to all ideas!

More information and data can be found here.

Let Freedom Read Day (October 11)

Here are some ways you can participate in Banned Books Week and show your support for the freedom to read:

1. Check out a banned or challenged book – whether it’s Orwell’s 1984 or one of the top 10 most challenged books of the year, it’s a great way to engage with the issue.
2. Start a conversation. Discuss with friends, in class, or on social media why certain books have been challenged and why access to them matters.
3. Support the right to read. Learn more about how censorship happens and how you can actively respond. Your voice matters in defending intellectual freedom.
   1. Don’t know how to get started? Visit bannedbooksweek.org for different action steps you can take!

Why It Matters

Books give us the chance to see the world from different perspectives and to explore ideas that might challenge our thinking. When books are banned, we limit the opportunity for understanding, empathy, and growth. Banned Books Week is an important reminder to stand up for free expression!

Alaska isn’t just a backdrop – it’s a source of inspiration, challenge, and mystery for writers across the state. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a story feel truly Alaskan, this upcoming event at the Consortium Library is for you.

What:
The Mountain, the Mystery, and the Muse: What Makes a Great Alaskan Story?
A panel conversation with three published Alaskan authors about how the land, people, and experiences of Alaska shape their writing.

Who:
Featuring authors Martha Amore, Don Rearden, and John Messick

When:
Friday, October 3
6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Where:
Library 307
UAA/APU Consortium Library

Bonus:
Light refreshments will be served
Virtual attendance option available (scan the QR code in the flyer below)

Whether you’re a writer, reader, student, or just someone who loves a good story rooted in place, this event is a great opportunity to hear directly from authors who live and write Alaska. Learn how they find inspiration, what keeps them going, and how they bring the Last Frontier to life on the page.

Scroll down to view the flyer for full details and virtual access info.

Welcome to the Consortium Library! Our Information and Research Help Desk is your go-to for navigating academic resources and services. Whether you’re a student, faculty member, or community member, we’re here to assist you with information and research support to enhance your academic journey.

Information and Research Help Desk: Your First Stop for Assistance

Our Information and Research Help Desk is designed to provide comprehensive support for a variety of needs. Here’s how we can help:

• Finding Scholarly Articles: Whether you’re searching for specific research papers, journal articles, or academic resources, our Desk staff are skilled at helping you locate the right sources through our various databases and library catalog.
• Getting Help with Citations: Proper citation is crucial in academic writing. We offer assistance with various citation styles, including APA, MLA, and Chicago, ensuring you credit your sources correctly and avoid plagiarism.
• Printing Assistance: Need to print research papers, essays, or other documents? Our Desk staff can guide you through the printing process whether your 

No matter what your academic task involves, our Desk staff are ready to provide the support you need to complete your work or help connect you to the resources that can!

Liaison Librarians: Specialized Support for Your Discipline

In addition to the general help available at the Information and Research Help Desk, we offer specialized support through our liaison librarians. Each librarian is assigned to specific departments and academic programs, bringing a deep understanding of the unique aspects of researching and writing within those fields. Whether you need assistance with specialized research topics, guidance on discipline-specific resources, or help with the intricacies of writing about complex subjects, your liaison librarian is well-versed in the niche requirements and nuances of your area of study. 

Book a 1:1 Research Appointment

Need in-depth research assistance? You can schedule a one-on-one consultation with a librarian through our appointments booking calendar page. This service allows you to book dedicated time with a librarian who can provide personalized guidance on the project you are working on. 

Tools and Spaces to Enhance Your Studies

Our library also provides access to essential resources and spaces, including:

• Course Reserves: Access textbooks and other materials reserved for your courses.
• Computer Lab: Utilize our computer lab for academic work, including printing and software needs.
• Laptops: Borrow a laptop for use within the library or on campus.We also have testing laptops available for those at-home proctored exams.
• Study Spaces: Find a quiet spot for focused study or group work in our designated study areas.

DIY Research Help: Empowering Your Independent Learning

For those who prefer to tackle research on their own, our DIY Research Help page offers a wealth of resources and guides tailored to support your independent learning. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll find:

• Sorting Out Your Sources: Learn how to effectively evaluate and categorize different types of sources for your research. This includes distinguishing between primary and secondary sources, understanding the difference between scholarly and popular resources, and assessing the credibility and reliability of the information.
• Understanding Literature Reviews: Discover what a literature review entails and how to conduct one. Our guides provides a plethora of information to help you get started or fine tune your Literature Reviews.
• Citation Tools and How-To Guides: Master the art of citations with our comprehensive guides on various citation styles such as APA, MLA, and Chicago. We also provide information on citation management tools that can help you organize your sources and generate accurate citations.

Explore our services today and make the most of the resources available to you. Visit us in person or online to discover how we can assist you in your academic endeavors.