By HNN Staff
Published: Oct. 6, 2025 at 5:19 PM HST
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Organizations in Hawaii and across the country are observing Banned Books Week by calling attention to the dangers of censorship.
Banned Books Week was started in 1982 by the American Library Association in response to a sudden surge in the number of book challenges in libraries, schools, and bookstores.
It is observed nationally this year from Oct. 5-11.
Representatives with the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii and Hawaii Library Association say the week draws attention to books in classrooms related to race, gender, sexuality and history. “Banning books does not silence authors, it silences ideas, perspectives, and entire communities,” said Denise Ojeda University of Hawaii at Manoa student and ACLU Hawaii representative.
“One of the biggest dangers of censorship is how it reshapes our history. When certain stories are removed, we are left with a incomplete and false picture of the past,” said Ojeda.
The ALA released the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2024 list, which includes titles like “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson and “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison.
Supporters say this week serves as a reminder to protect the right to read and think for future generations
“This week is not just about books, it’s about voices. They help shape the understanding of our world and ourselves,” said Krystal Kakimoto, a librarian at Bishop Museum.
“It’s a time to reflect on the stories that some have tried to silence, and to stand up for the rights of our community,” said Kakimoto.
HLA launched “Why I Read Freely” via Padlet, a digital wall of voices that gathers local insights from community members. Contributors can respond to prompts such as:
- Why does the freedom to read matter to you?
- What’s a book that changed your life? How did it do that?
What would be lost if certain stories disappeared from our shelves?
Submissions can be made online through the end of October.
Leeward Community College Library offers its own list of banned and challenged books, such as “The Kite Runner” and “Fahrenheit 451″ that students can borrow.
