Banned Books Week 2025 features the theme  “Censorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights.” The American Library Association explains that the phrase invokes the dystopian warnings of George Orwell’s 1984 to underscore how censorship remains a real and present threat — not some relic of a past era.

At UConn Law Library, we’re highlighting the legal and societal implications of that debate. From law to literature, from historical court battles to contemporary challenges, our curated Banned Books & the Law display (right by the entrance) will feature titles that have sparked censorship efforts.

We also encourage you to check out our accompanying Banned Books Research Guide, which links to key resources such as cases and legislation and advocacy organizations.

When a title is challenged — the question isn’t only “What do we read?” but “Who decides?” Our display and guide aim to help students, faculty, and patrons grapple with that very question.  This Banned Books Week, join us in resisting censorship, exploring the legal stakes behind challenged works, and reaffirming that the freedom to read is central to the rule of law — not a footnote to it.