Censorship Is So 1984: UB Libraries Hosts Banned Books Week

Schedule of Events Faculty Book Picks

The University at Buffalo Libraries is joining the nationwide celebration of Banned Books Week Oct. 5–11. This year’s theme, “Censorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights,” highlights the growing number of challenges to books across the country and underscores the importance of defending the freedom to read.

Banned Books Week, coordinated by the American Library Association and the Banned Books Week Coalition, draws inspiration this year from George Orwell’s classic novel 1984—a timeless warning against censorship and suppression of ideas. 

UB Libraries will host a series of events throughout the week:

  • Monday, Oct. 6, 1–3 p.m. — Banned Books Café, 130 Abbott Library, South Campus. Stop by for beverages, snacks, and crafts. 
  • Tuesday, Oct. 7, 5 p.m. — Banned Books Movie Night, Silverman 310. Free screening of the 1994 film Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, starring Kenneth Branagh and Robert De Niro. Opening remarks: Austin Waters, foreign and international law librarian, Law Library. Pizza, popcorn, and beverages will be provided. 
  • Wednesday, Oct. 8, 1–3 p.m. — Banned Books Café, Lockwood 109. Enjoy beverages, snacks, crafts and the chance to browse a selection of banned and challenged books.
  • Thursday, Oct. 9, 1-2pm —  Access Forbidden: Banned and Censored Books, 1549-1940, Capen 420. Join a guided tour of this special exhibit exploring 475 years of book banning history from the Catholic Church’s Index librorum prohibitorum (active 1560-1966) to the New York Society for the Suppression of Vice (active 1873-1950) through banned, censored, and challenged scientific, political, and literary texts from UB’s Rare Books Collection.
  • Faculty Reflections — UB faculty members are contributing brief comments on banned and challenged books that hold special meaning to them. The reflections will be featured in a display in Lockwood Library and shared online.
  • These events provide opportunities for the campus community to reflect on the impact of censorship and celebrate the right to read.
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