Free Oct. 6 ASJA Webinar on What Escalating Book Challenges and Bans Mean for Writers

From 2001 to 2020, the average number of books banned from U.S. school libraries in a year was 38. By 2025, that number had escalated to 5,245, according to  the American Library Association (ALA). Public libraries saw a similar jump. The average number of books banned by public libraries increased from three a year in 2001 to 2020, to 92 in 2025.

Given the gravity of the crisis, ASJA is observing Banned Books Week, Oct. 4-10, 2026, by hosting a free webinar on Tuesday, Oct. 6. The webinar will feature a panel of authors and publishing industry experts who will discuss the emerging backlash against government censorship and share insights on how to report on book challenges beyond the culture-war headlines.

The webinar takes place at 4 p.m. Eastern time. In recognition of the seriousness of the topic and as a public service, ASJA is making registration free for all, including members and nonmembers. Find out more and register here.

Why Increasing Book Challenges Matter

In the past, book bans were often led by parents opposed to single titles. Today, many book bans are spearheaded by pressure groups, government or elected officials, or school boards and administrators swayed by the  pressure groups. In 2025, these three factors  accounted for 92% of book challenges and bans, the ALA reports The groups often target lists of multiple books rather than a single book at a time.

With this new dynamic, many authors now face challenges to their own books.

ASJA’s Banned Books Week webinar is intended to support them and provide background for writers interested in covering book challenges.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Rosie Stewart, Senior Manager, Public Policy at Penguin Random House
• Dominique Cimina, Senior Vice President of Publicity, Corporate Communications & Author Brand Strategy at Penguin Random House
• Philomena Polefrone, Senior Manager, Freedom to Read at PEN America 
• Robert Lerose, ASJA member and author of Silencing Voices: Book Bans, Cancel Culture, and Other Forms of Censorship     
• Alisa Bowman, ASJA member and co-author of the banned book, Raising the Transgender Child: A Complete Guide for Parents, Families, and Caregivers. 
   

The webinar will be moderated by author, journalist, and ASJA member Judah Freed, who is a part of ASJA’s First Amendment Committee. Freed serves as ASJA’s representative on the steering committee of the Banned Books Week Coalition. 

ASJA is a sponsor of  the Banned Books Week Coalition, an international alliance of organizations committed to increasing awareness about censorship and defending the freedom to read. Launched in 1982, the annual Banned Books Week highlights the value of free and open access to information. This year’s theme is “Let Books Be — Protect the Freedom to Read.”

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Suzi Morales is a writer, editor, and erstwhile attorney who covers graduate-level higher education, law, and legal tech. She is also a member of the ASJA First Amendment Committee. Learn more at www.suzimorales.com.