As book bans and curriculum censorship persist across the United States, the 23 libraries of the California State University (CSU) system are standing together to defend one of the most fundamental rights: The freedom to read.  

Each CSU Campus is contributing to a system-wide response during Banned Books Week, Observed October 5th-11th. Through exhibits, performances, discussions, and student engagement, CSU libraries are not only resisting censorship, but they are also empowering communities to read freely, and advocate boldly. 

At Sacramento State, the University Library is curating a continually updated banned books list, and offering displays, posters, and daily social media features to engage the campus community. CSU East Bay, CSU Channel Islands, and San Diego State are contributing through displays and outreach. San José State is hosting a robust series of events, including a screening of 1984, a panel discussion with California State Senator Dave Cortese and former ALA President Patty Wong, and a live performance of The Hobbit by TeenHQ Theater. Cal State LA is offering a weeklong program featuring chalk art, a community mural, a panel on censorship in children’s literature, and a screening of Precious Knowledge. 

Several campuses are engaging students through creative displays and interactive programming. CSU Monterey Bay is offering a banned books puzzle, a rainbow LEGO guessing game, and a makerspace prize giveaway. CSU Fullerton, along with their banned books display, is inviting students to pose with a “I Read Banned Books” cutout for social media. While San Francisco State is hosting a trivia night, providing a book display and photo opportunity, and collaborating with Ethnic Studies faculty on a film screening and panel discussion connecting book challenges with other contemporary and historical efforts to silence marginalized voices. San Diego State is collaborating with its Associated Students team to offer its annual “Banned Books Read-Out.” 

Other campuses are integrating banned books into curriculum and campus-wide reading initiatives. CSU San Marcos is continuing its annual recognition of Banned Books week with an interactive display in the Library, and a student-led program in the Cross-Cultural Center and Banned Books Trivia Night.  CSU Bakersfield, CSU Dominguez Hills, and CSU San Bernardino are offering banned book displays, LibGuides, and giveaways, including Gabi, a Girl in Pieces by CSUSB alumna Isabel Quintero. Stanislaus State is creating attention-grabbing displays with caution tape and distributing bookmarks, while Sonoma State and Cal Poly Humboldt are offering book displays and educational resources through LibGuides. 

Fresno State is screening The Librarians and hosting a banned books read-in in collaboration with the Cross-Cultural and Gender Center and Africana Studies faculty. CSU Long Beach is offering a Banned Books Read-In, a First Amendment workshop, an author and faculty panel, and a movie marathon. CSU Northridge is hosting its 13th Annual Banned Books Readout, featuring dramatic readings by journalism students. Cal Poly Pomona is planning tabling, social media campaigns, and a potential cross-campus librarian panel via Zoom. 

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo/Solano is currently in the process of reopening its library building and looks forward to the celebration of Banned Books Week. 

Together, these efforts reflect a broader system-wide message: the freedom to read is not negotiable. Banned Books Week demonstrates that CSU libraries are not only protecting access to books, but they are also cultivating empathy, encouraging inquiry, and empowering students. 

To learn more about the CSU Libraries’ commitment to intellectual freedom, please visit libraries.calstate.edu/freedom-to-read.