Washington authors are sharing personal experiences with censorship and speaking about the importance of reading freely as part of Banned Books Week, observed Oct. 4-10, 2026.
The Washington Center for the Book, a program of the Office of the Secretary of State, has partnered with the Washington chapter of Authors Against Book Bans to produce a series of short videos featuring writers discussing intellectual freedom, book restrictions and what access to literature means to them.
The videos are the latest addition to Washington Reads Freely, an ongoing statewide project that encourages conversations about the freedom to read and invites residents to share their own experiences with books.
The first collection features seven Washington authors representing different literary genres and age groups: Gabrielle Kirouac Byrne, Christine Day, Sonora Jha, Kelly Jones, Brian Kimmel, Leslie Lutz and Rena Priest.
For Jones, the issue became personal when her book, Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer, was removed from an entire school district as part of a collection of books selected for their diversity.
“It was hard to hear that this book that I loved so much was so dangerous that no family could decide for themselves it was right for their student to read,” Jones said. “It just wasn’t available anymore… I don’t see how that helps students learn.”
Jones’ experience illustrates one of the concerns raised by authors and advocates who oppose book restrictions: Decisions about which books are available in schools and libraries can limit what students have an opportunity to read, including works reflecting different cultures, identities and life experiences.
The video series gives participating writers an opportunity to describe what intellectual freedom means to them and how restrictions on books can affect readers and authors.
Washington State Librarian Melody Sky Weaver said organizers hope the videos will encourage conversations among residents of different ages and backgrounds.
“We hope the videos spark community discussions about intellectual freedom across our state, and we invite Washingtonians of all ages to share their own stories of the power and joys they experience reading freely,” said Weaver.
Washington Reads Freely also provides opportunities for residents to contribute their own stories about books and reading. Selected submissions have been featured through highlighted quotations and an interactive StoryMap on the project’s website.
The effort extends beyond authors whose books have faced challenges or removal. Organizers are also seeking perspectives from readers about how literature has influenced their understanding of themselves, their communities and the world.
Rena Priest, a Washington State Book Award winner, described the freedom to read as an opportunity to encounter ideas without having those choices determined by someone else’s concerns.
“to me, the right to read freely means that I’m not limited by the fears of others about what I might learn about the world or about myself or how I might be shaped by the ideas of others.”
Banned Books Week brings together librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers and readers to highlight debates over access to books and the freedom to explore different ideas.
The Washington initiative places local authors and readers at the center of that discussion, using firsthand accounts to examine how decisions about access to books affect individuals and communities.
Residents can learn more about the video series and share their experiences through the Washington State Library and the Seattle resources for cultural and educational programming.
