Dallas, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Amidst rising censorship, local literary advocates in Dallas spotlight the issue through ‘Big D’s Banned Book Fair.’ The event aims to raise awareness about banned literature and promote free access to diverse stories. With a recent panel and participation in National Banned Books Week, the community emphasizes solidarity against censorship efforts, while navigating state policies that challenge educational autonomy.
Dallas
Best of Dallas 2025 highlights local literary voices amid a documented rise in book banning and censorship, centering the issue on a theme titled Big D’s Banned Book Fair to celebrate books and the ideas they represent. Organizers and local booksellers framed the issue to promote awareness of banned books and to celebrate local literary culture, while citing researchers and insiders in the book business who report increasing censorship efforts. The reporting notes an organized response that includes public programming, bookstore displays, and participation in national awareness events.
Key developments and immediate context
A local bookstore chain hosted a banned books panel on September 16 that brought together advocates and community members to discuss censorship challenges. The chain also plans special displays during Banned Books Week to prioritize showcasing banned authors and books. Nationally recognized advocacy efforts coincide with the American Library Association’s Banned Books Week, occurring October 5-11, 2025, which has been positioned as a focal moment for raising awareness about the persistent fight against censorship.
At the state level, Senate Bill 13 was passed in Texas, allowing school districts to establish library advisory councils to review book selections. Critics argue the law places an unnecessary strain on parents and teachers and note that the law gives parents the ability to challenge and potentially exclude books deemed harmful or indecent from school libraries. Observers report that even innocuous LGBTQ content has frequently been targeted for removal through challenges brought by certain parent groups.
Who is involved and what they are doing
The local bookstore chain emphasized a long-standing tradition of supporting free speech and the freedom to read, tracing a mission back to its founding in 1972 and operating under the company motto “We buy everything printed.” Company leadership described commitments to making stores safe and inclusive for LGBTQ+ individuals and to advocating for diverse ideologies in literature. The chain also highlighted its ongoing practice of showcasing books across diverse experiences, including featuring Black authors during Black History Month and women during Women’s History Month.
Advocates said that responses to book challenges include legal support, public events, and increased outreach to parents and educators. One local advocate became involved in direct book advocacy after school libraries removed numerous books in 2021, which spurred ongoing engagement with book access issues at the school level. Advocacy groups and library professionals emphasize collective action as a necessary component in defending the right to read and countering censorship trends.
Policy effects and criticisms
Critics of recent state-level policy changes argue that administrative requirements tied to library review processes can create procedural burdens and may result in the removal of materials that educational professionals consider appropriate. There are reported attempts in some quarters to hold sellers liable for inappropriate book content; bookstore leadership has publicly opposed legislation of that type, arguing it would hamper the availability of educational materials in schools and retail environments.
Supporting background
Researchers and book business insiders cited in planning materials indicate an increasing trend of book banning and censorship efforts across multiple venues, including schools, libraries, and community institutions. National awareness initiatives such as Banned Books Week and local programming are being used to highlight those trends, encourage public dialogue, and display the range of titles that have been challenged or removed.
The combination of local programming, state-level policy changes, and national awareness campaigns frames a broader conversation about access to literature, educational autonomy, and the roles of parents, teachers, and library professionals in curating collections. Organizers say the aim of the Best of Dallas 2025 issue and associated events is to promote awareness of banned books and celebrate local literary culture while responding to the cited rise in censorship efforts.
FAQ
What is the theme for the Best of Dallas 2025 issue?
The theme for the Best of Dallas 2025 issue is “Big D’s Banned Book Fair,” celebrating books and the ideas they represent.
When was the banned books panel hosted by Half Price Books?
A banned books panel was hosted by Half Price Books on September 16 featuring local advocates discussing censorship challenges.
What does Senate Bill 13 allow?
Senate Bill 13 was passed in Texas, allowing school districts to establish library advisory councils to review book selections, which critics argue puts unnecessary strain on parents and teachers.
When is the American Library Association’s Banned Books Week in 2025?
American Library Association’s Banned Books Week, occurring October 5-11, 2025, focuses on raising awareness about the persistent fight against censorship.
What is Half Price Books’ company motto?
Half Price Books has a long-standing tradition of supporting free speech and the freedom to read, with the company motto being “We buy everything printed.”
Key features at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Issue Theme | The theme for the Best of Dallas 2025 issue is “Big D’s Banned Book Fair,” celebrating books and the ideas they represent. |
| Local Panel | A banned books panel was hosted by Half Price Books on September 16 featuring local advocates discussing censorship challenges. |
| State Law | Senate Bill 13 was passed in Texas, allowing school districts to establish library advisory councils to review book selections, which critics argue puts unnecessary strain on parents and teachers. |
| National Awareness | American Library Association’s Banned Books Week, occurring October 5-11, 2025, focuses on raising awareness about the persistent fight against censorship. |
| Company Motto | Half Price Books has a long-standing tradition of supporting free speech and the freedom to read, with the company motto being “We buy everything printed.” |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Dallas Observer: Half Price Books Fights Book Banning
- Dallas Observer: Best of Dallas 2025
- Dallas Voice: Half Price Books and Book Ban in Texas
- Dallas News: Editorial on Banned Books
- Axios: Texas Bans More Books
- Wikipedia: Book Banning
- Google Search: Book Censorship
- Google Scholar: Book Banning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Book Banning
- Google News: Book Censorship
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
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