Texas has become a leader in book censorship and library challenges.
But organizations across Texas are fighting book bans in different ways, and are ready to celebrate Banned Books Week, which was established by a coalition of nonprofits including the American Library Association, and celebrates the “freedom to read” in the face of increasing censorship. This year, Banned Books Week will take place from October 4-10 and focus on the theme “Let Books Be—Protect the Freedom to Read.”
Here are six events to know about.
Bare Book Club presents: Banned Books
Where: Theatre Three Quadrangle
2688 Laclede St., Dallas TX
When: Friday, Sept. 18, 2026
Time: 7-8 p.m.
The event includes a live performance combining literature, art, and acting as performers read challenged and banned books on stage.
Banned Books Panel at Half Price Books Dallas Flagship
Where: Half Price Books
5803 East Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75231
When: Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026
Time: 7-8 p.m.
The panel will feature a discussion about how literary censorship and book ban attempts impact the community at large.
Bookstore After Dark
Where: Title Euphoria Books and Gifts
107 E Jackson St., Burnet, TX
When: Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026
Time: 8-10 p.m.
They will hold a banned books fair, host authors and vendors, and have cocktails by Sips on Second.
Grown Up Scholastic-Style Book Fair | Banned Books Week Houston
Where: Social Beer Garden HTX
3101 San Jacinto Street, Houston, TX 77004
When: Oct. 9, 2026
Time: 6-10 p.m.
Social Beer Garden HTX will be having a nostalgic Scholastic-style book fair for adults with local authors, DJ, giveaways, and literary cocktails.
Banned Books Week at Southwest Texas College
Where: Eagle Pass SWTX Library
3101 Bob Rogers Dr, Eagle Pass, TX US 78852
When: Oct. 5-9, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
There will be different activities throughout the week, free snacks, coloring activities, and more while supplies last.
Banned Books Week at Galveston College
Where: Galveston College, David Glen Hunt Memorial Library
4015 Avenue Q, Galveston, TX 77550
When: Oct 4-10, 2026
Time: 7:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
David Glen Hunt Memorial Library will have a display featuring different books, and people will be able to learn about Banned Books Week.
