October’s Director’s Note

Hello Manchester-by-the-Sea Community, 

October 4-10, 2026 is Banned Books Week, an important time to reflect on how the freedom to read has been challenged in the past year. In 2025, the American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom (OIF) tracked challenges to 4,235 unique titles. They documented 5,668 books banned (removed from shelves) from libraries (66% of the total challenged).  92% of those challenges were initiated by pressure groups and government officials.  

As librarians, we work hard to provide books and resources for a wide variety of interests. When groups or individuals try to restrict what books or resources are available, libraries and librarians cannot serve everyone. So this week, and every day, we champion the freedom to read, to freely access ideas and information, and to continue to protect your right to choose for yourself and your family.  For more information on Banned Books Week and to find out more about how you can join us in standing up for the Freedom to Read, check out https://bannedbooksweek.org/ and https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/banned-books-week-2026/  And read a banned book today…or not—it’s your choice! 

-Cynthia Gemmell, Library Director