It's Banned Books Week. Here's how to get your hands on the controversial books in Oklahoma

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Banned Books Week is taking place nationwide, an initiative led by the American Library Association to raise awareness about censorship and literacy.

The organization tracked 1,247 attempts to censor books and other resources in libraries in 2023, a 65% increase from the previous year. In total, 4,240 unique titles were targeted, many of which covered LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC topics and issues.

With several digital events this week, here is what we know about Oklahoma's complicated history with book ban proposals and how you can support local book vendors.

When is Banned Books Week?

This year's Banned Books Week takes place from September 22nd to 28th. The week is usually celebrated in the last week of September. This year's theme is “Freed Between the Lines.”

What is Banned Books Week?

Each year during Banned Books Week, the ALA draws the nation's attention to censorship by compiling a list of banned or controversial books. The annual event is designed to bring the book community – librarians, authors, educators, booksellers and readers – together to support literature, free expression and the need for free and open access to information.

Award-winning filmmaker and honorary chair of the week Ava DuVernay said censorship is the enemy of freedom.

“By banning books, we deny ourselves the opportunity to learn from the past and imagine a better future. Books have the power to open minds and build bridges. That's why certain forces don't want the masses to engage with books. They fear progress and growth in new, bold directions,” DuVernay said in a press release.

OPINION: Banned Books Week reminds us that children deserve to be challenged. Don't censor that.

What books has Oklahoma banned or proposed to ban?

Oklahoma's list of proposed book bans includes several well-known titles, such as William Golding's Lord of the Flies, Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and Stephanie Meyer's dusk Series.

Earlier this year, Edmond Public Schools won a lawsuit against school superintendent Ryan Walters, who claimed the school had chosen to “distribute porn” by showing Khaled Hosseini's “The Kite Runner” and Jeannette Walls' “The Glass Castle” at the school.

But Oklahoma's history of book banning and other forms of media censorship extends beyond the events of last year and dates back three years to the state's admission to the Union.

Top 10 Most Controversial Books in 2023

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1. “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe (Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, allegedly sexually explicit) (106 challenges)

2. “All Boys Aren't Blue” by George M. Johnson (Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, allegedly sexually explicit) (82)

3. “This Book is Gay” by Juno Dawson (Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, sex education, allegedly sexually explicit) (71)

4. “Maybe Tomorrow” by Stephen Chbosky (Reasons: allegedly sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content, rape, drugs, obscenities) (68)

5. “Flamer” by Mike Curato (Reasons: LGBTQIA+ content, allegedly sexually explicit) (67)

6. “Very Blue Eyes” by Toni Morrison (Reasons: rape, incest, allegedly sexually explicit content, EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) content) (62)

7. (EQUAL) “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” by Jesse Andrews (Reasons: allegedly sexually explicit, obscene language) (56)

8. (TIE) “Tricks” by Ellen Hopkins (Reasons: Allegedly sexually explicit, drugs, rape, LGBTQIA+ content) (56)

9. “Let's Talk About It” by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan (Reasons: Allegedly sexually explicit, sex education, LGBTQIA+ content) (55)

10. “Sold” by Patricia McCormick (Reasons: allegedly sexually explicit, rape) (53)

Which state has had the most controversial books reported?

The ALA announced in a press release earlier this year that 17 U.S. states have challenged more than 100 book titles in 2023. Florida and Texas have by far the most books challenged in 2023, with a total of more than 4,000 titles.

A complete map of U.S. states where books are banned can be found online at the ALA's official website.

How to get banned books in Oklahoma

The Oklahoma City Public Library has more than 1.5 million items available for borrowing and downloading at any of its 19 Oklahoma City locations, as well as a variety of other e-books, audiobooks, and other forms of media.

The basic library card can be used by people who live or own property in Oklahoma City or Oklahoma County. Readers age 17 and older who meet eligibility requirements can apply for a library card on the website.

Eight independent bookstores in Oklahoma City

While supporting the public library system is beneficial for borrowing books, you can support these eight independent bookstores when you want to purchase books.

1. Full Circle (1900 NW Expressway, Oklahoma City)

2. Belle Books Boutique & More (1742 NE 23 St Suite B)

3. Collectible Books (1325 N Walker Ave #138, Oklahoma City)

4. Nappy Roots Books (3705 Springlake Dr, Oklahoma City)

5. Literati Press Bookstore (3010 Paseo, Oklahoma City)

6. Best of Books (1313 E Danforth Rd, Edmond)

7. Books and Plants on Pear Street (918 N Hudson Ave, Oklahoma City)

8. Deer Clan Books (3905 N College Ave, Bethany)

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: It's Banned Books Week: Where to read controversial content in Oklahoma