WHAT: After several consecutive years of unprecedented book challenges, it is more important than ever to celebrate Banned Books Week. From October 5 to October 11, 2025, show ABA how your store is promoting banned books in your community for a chance to win up to $300. The bookstore with the best display will win $300, and two runners-up will receive $100 each! (We suggest the winnings be divided among staff who helped create it or used for a staff party.)
Submissions are due by 11:59 pm local time on the last day of Banned Books Week, October 11.
WHO: ABA Member Bookstores with Instagram accounts can create attractive and attention-grabbing displays for customers to enjoy during Banned Books Week. Judging of all eligible entries will be conducted by a panel of non-partisan judges.
WHEN: The contest runs from October 5 through October 11. Within a few weeks of the end of Banned Books Week, the winner will be notified and contacted to arrange payment of the award.
HOW: Bookstore Instagram accounts have until October 11, 2025, to share one post (photo/reel/photo carousel), tag @AmericanBooksellers and @ABFEFreeExpression and use #BannedBooksDisplayContest and #BannedBooksWeek in the caption to be entered to win.
Your display should:
- Feature books that have been banned
- Clearly mark the display with “Banned Books Week” or “Banned Books”
- Use text or other visuals to draw your customers’ attention and make a statement
Here are some additional ideas:
- Lean into themes of liberation, the freedom to read, and ironizing the idea of “dangerous books”.
- Use ABA’s Banned Books Week kit if you ordered one.*
- Place your display somewhere visible and eye-catching.
- Curate your list for your community. Use the above-listed resources or local resources to highlight local bans.
- Make your list representational. Book bans disproportionately target books by and about LGBTQIA2S+ people and people of color.
- Tie sales to activism. Use your display to distribute information about censorship in your community or around the country, draw attention to grassroots organizing against censorship, or display The Right to Read Handbook.
Judging criteria:
- Visual presentation
- Creativity and originality
- Banned Books Week messaging
Bonus points for: Humor, use of color(s), education and advocacy regarding banned books
All prizes are courtesy of the American Booksellers Association.
See Official Rules for more information.
*All kits have been distributed for the year. No preference will be given to members using ABA materials.