The American Library Association and Banned Books Week Coalition has unveiled the artwork for Banned Books Week 2026, which will be held October 4-10. Designed for use in Banned Books Week events nationwide and internationally, this year's theme is "Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read."
The Banned Books Week campaign for 2026 features three illustrations showing how libraries and access to information enrich lives. The artwork from award-winning illustrators Hyesu Lee, Loveis Wise, and Mikey Burton "embraces joy and creativity as acts of resilience, reminding our communities that a handful of people running organized censorship campaigns should not be allowed to dictate what the rest of us can read," the ALA noted.
"Banned Books Week is a celebration of the freedom to read and the joy that comes from discovering stories that expand our understanding of ourselves and one another," said ALA president Sam Helmick. "Every person has the right to seek information and choose books without censorship. When we say 'Let Books Be,' we're showing up for readers everywhere and reaffirming that libraries are for everyone."
Barbara Stripling, chair of the Banned Books Week Coalition, added: "The 2026 Banned Books Week theme, 'Let Books Be,' celebrates the joy of reading and, at the same time, motivates us to stand up for the right to read. We must let books be a window into ourselves and others, a door to new ideas and possibilities, and a path to full participation in our society."