The Phoenix Public Library is taking a stance to “protect the freedom to read” during Banned Books Week this week.

The library system is supporting the American Library Association’s Freedom to Read Statement, which opposes banning books and supports people making their own choices about what to read and believe.

Read the full Freedom to Read Statement here.

Saturday, Oct. 10 is Let Freedom Read Day. Visit any Phoenix Public Library location to receive a free Freedom to Read sticker.

The Phoenix Public Library is promoting the Top 11 most challenged books of 2025, which is a list compiled by the ALA each year based on information from confidential reports filed by library professionals and community members, as well as news stories published throughout the U.S.

Because many book challenges are not reported to the ALA or covered by the press, the data compiled by ALA represent a snapshot of censorship attempts in libraries, the organization states on its website.

Visit here to see the availabilty of the books below in the Phoenix Public Library system. Options include print books, e-books and audiobooks.

Top 11 most challenged books of 2025

1. “Sold” by Patricia McCormick. Challenges: 36
2. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky. Challenges: 33
3. “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe. Challenges: 25
4. “Empire of Storms” by Sarah J. Maas. Challenges: 24
5. (TIE) “Last Night at the Telegraph Club” by Malinda Lo. Challenges: 23
6. (TIE) “Tricks” by Ellen Hopkins. Challenges: 23
7. “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas. Challengers: 22
8. (TIE) “A Clockwork Orange” by Anthony Burgess. Challenges: 21
9. (TIE) “Identical” by Ellen Hopkins. Challenges: 21
10. (TIE) “Looking for Alaska” by John Green Challenges: 21
11. (TIE) “Storm and Fury” by Jennifer L. Armentrout Challenges: 21