About this Event
Join us at Brookline Booksmith to kick off Banned Books Week with a conversation between YA author Sara Farizan, Brookline Teen Librarian Tori Gellman & bookseller Alex Schaffner.
Register for the event!
RSVP to let us know you're coming! Depending on the volume of responses, an RSVP may be required for entrance to the event. In the event that we reach capacity and have to close RSVPs, there will not be a waiting list.
Get books!
We will have a selection of Sara's books on hand for purchase and signing.
Support the Pr*son Book Program!
Support the Pr*son Book Program! During Banned Books Week, we are partnering with Pr*son Book Program on a donation-match drive. All the books you purchase for PBP via their wishlist on our website from 10/4 through 10/10, or in-store during this event, will be matched dollar for dollar by a generous donor.
Event accessibility
- This event will take place at street level.
- If possible, events are livestreamed. Check out our store YouTube channel for livestream updates.
- ASL interpretation may be provided (based on the availability of interpreters) but must be requested at least 2 weeks in advance of the event.
- Please email us at [email protected] as soon as possible if you require ASL interpretation, guaranteed seating, or other accommodations. Seats are limited.We will do our best to serve your needs!
Why Are We Talking About Banned Books?
From the American Library Association:
"During National Library Week 2026 (April 19–25), the American Library Association released data documenting attempts to censor books and materials in public, school, and academic libraries during 2025.
- ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) tracked 4,235 unique titles challenged in 2025, the second highest ever documented by ALA. The highest ever documented was 4,240 in 2023.
- Of the unique titles challenged in 2025, 1,671 (39%) represent the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ people and people of color.
- ALA documented 713 attempts to censor library materials and services, 487 of which targeted books.
- In 2025, 92% of all book challenges were initiated by pressure groups, government officials and decision makers, up from 72% in 2024. Less than 3% of challenges originated from individual parents.
- OIF documented 5,668 books banned from libraries (66% of the total challenged) in 2025. An additional 920 books were censored through access restrictions such as relocation or requiring parental permission. This is both the highest number of titles censored in one year and the highest rate of challenges resulting in censorship from 1990–2025."
We are in crisis, and it's important to take stock of our current climate if we are going to take a stand against censorship!
About Brookline Booksmith
Brookline Booksmith, thriving in the heart of Coolidge Corner in Brookline, Massachusetts, since 1961, is one of New England’s premier independent bookstores. We offer a vast selection of books, ranging from current bestsellers to the most eclectic titles. We are also known for our beautiful and inspired gifts. Customers buy and sell gently used books in our treasured Used Book Cellar and enjoy our bountiful bargain book selection. We host award-winning events series (including our groundbreaking Transnational Literature Series), offering more than 300 author talks, community conversations, and book clubs annually. Find more at brooklinebooksmith.com!
Event venue & nearby stays
Brookline Booksmith, 279 Harvard Street, Brookline, United States
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