It would surprise you the books that have been banned or challenged around the world. For more information on banned books see our display from earlier in the year.
Banned Books Week had a summer campaign of banned books in the run up to Banned Books week, which were under the following headings.
- Censored Children's Stories
- Queer Voices
- Obscene & Offensive Stories
- Stories by Writers of Colour
- Stories of Sacrilege
- The Stories of Women
We have listed them all here with links to the digital copies in our collections or to free ebook archives where available.
Best Banned Books 2018
These are the top books selected by Banned Books Week 2018 that have been banned or challenged for being deemed obscene or offensive.If a digital copy is available, it is linked, other items can be found in our catalogue
By Margaret Atwood | 1985.
This Booker Prize winning novel, which has become a TV sensation, was banned in US schools due to sexually explicit scenes of female degradation.
Philip Pullman | 1995.
Declaring that it promoted atheism and attacked Christianity, in particular the Catholic church, this book has been frequently challenged by US censors.
By Alice Walker | 1982.
This 1983 Pulitzer Prize winning novel focuses on black female life in 1930s Georgia, and was banned in a California school for its focus on religion, race and sexuality.
By D. H. Lawrence ¦1928.
When the full version of D. H. Lawrence’s most famous novel was published by Penguin in 1960, the publisher was taken to court under the Obscene Publications Act of 1959 for supposedly explicit content.
Marlon James | 2014 .
Marlon James was born in Jamaica, where homosexual activity can be punishable by prison.
His Man Booker Prize winning novel was about “a gay hitman going through boyfriend troubles."
Censored Children's Stories
These are the 20 books selected by Banned Books Week 2018 for children that have been banned or challenged for being deemed obscene or offensive. If a digital copy is available, it is linked, other items can be found in our catalogue
By Lewis Carroll | 1865.
This much-loved children’s classic was banned in Hunan, China in 1931 for its anthropomorphic animals, fearing this would teach children to regard humans and animals on the same level.
By Harper Lee | 1960.
Another standard title on the GCSE syllabus, this book has been challenged on numerous occasions for its use of derogatory racial terms, swearing and frank discussions.
One challenge irritated the author so much that she sent $10 to the local paper offering it as part-payment for the local school board to enrol in one of its own schools. As with Huckleberry Finn, it was the use of derogatory racial terms that caused the greatest upset.
By Anonymous | 1971.
Taking its title from the lyrics of Jefferson Airplane’s drug-reference song “White Rabbit”, this book with its coverage of runaway young people, drugs and sex, was banned in nearly a third of US states. The book has a tragic fate in store for the diarist and so could be seen as anti-drug abuse, but like so many challenged books, the outcome and inherent message were misinterpreted by those who equate discussing a problem with glamourizing it.
Copies
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By Judy Blume | 1974.
Linda is overweight so is called “Blubber” by her classmates. Alliances shift accompanied by abuse and bullying.
The author based the book on her own experience but some felt the behaviour shown towards Linda is excessive and likely to back-fire.
Copies
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By Robert Cormier | 1974 .
Considered to be one of the best ever young adult novels, it comes fourth in America’s list of banned books 1990-2000. Dealing with high school gang culture, the main challenges were on the grounds of sexual content, violence and bad language. While arguing the book should not be in the library, the school accepted it could be easily bought in any local book shop, which might have suggested that banning the book was pointless.
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By Judy Blume | 1975.
This teen novel was not only just about the first to discuss sex but it still holds a punch even now.
Not surprisingly, Blume’s frank language, depiction of sexual intercourse and the fact that the main character goes on the pill caused uproar amongst opponents of pre-marital sex.
Copies
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By Aidan Chambers| 1982.
For its positive portrayal of gay relationships, the book has fallen foul of complaints.
One American library board revealed in its objection the extent to which it would avoid giving anyone grounds for further offence when it lifted a quote from the book and recorded it as “What the h**l!”
By Lois Lowry | 1993.
Jonas lives in world without war, violence, hunger or suffering, the trade-off being the lives of the citizens is pre-ordained by Elders. Individuality and freedom is sacrificed for a sense of security and happiness. Jonas discovers that his family and friends are part of much more sinister reality. The Giver was one of the most controversial books in American schools. The most common reason cited was “unsuitable for age group”, although controversial topics like sexual explicitness, religion, violence and suicide were also key.
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Junk
By Melvyn Burgess | 1996.
This story of a teenage couple living in a squat and whose lives descend into alcohol, drugs, prostitution, failed rehab and prison, while hopefully lifting the lid on the downside of some young people’s lives, for some it threw too many punches in one novel and laid itself open to criticism simply for daring to discuss these issues. The author said of its banning “Every single time a book gets banned is absurd. The only dangerous book is one that has a bomb in it, in my opinion. Junk wasn’t even the first book to be open minded about drugs, but it perhaps was the first where the characters made such bad choices and left it up to the reader to judge them.”
By Melvyn Burgess | 1996.
This story of a teenage couple living in a squat and whose lives descend into alcohol, drugs, prostitution, failed rehab and prison, while hopefully lifting the lid on the downside of some young people’s lives, for some it threw too many punches in one novel and laid itself open to criticism simply for daring to discuss these issues. The author said of its banning “Every single time a book gets banned is absurd. The only dangerous book is one that has a bomb in it, in my opinion. Junk wasn’t even the first book to be open minded about drugs, but it perhaps was the first where the characters made such bad choices and left it up to the reader to judge them.”
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
By Stephen Chbosky | 1999.
The story of a teenager, “Charlie” who writes a series of letters to an anonymous friend, going to great lengths to describe his introversion, teenage sexuality, abuse, and his drug use, and these references gained the book many condemnations. But as one young reader commented “Many students do not have the complete support [they] should have. Most importantly, ‘Perks’ serves as an unparalleled aid for students dealing with depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts.”
By Stephen Chbosky | 1999.
The story of a teenager, “Charlie” who writes a series of letters to an anonymous friend, going to great lengths to describe his introversion, teenage sexuality, abuse, and his drug use, and these references gained the book many condemnations. But as one young reader commented “Many students do not have the complete support [they] should have. Most importantly, ‘Perks’ serves as an unparalleled aid for students dealing with depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts.”
By Mark Haddon | 2003.
Christopher Boone is 15 with Asperger’s syndrome. When he finds a neighbour’s dog murdered, he sets out on a journey which will turn his whole world upside down. The book contains a lot of swearing as well as characters expressing atheistic beliefs. One American newspaper counted around 50 mentions of various swear words. Author Mark Haddon said “I’m always entertained when it gets banned. But I never feel like I have to stand up for it. It’s like a sturdy 25-year old who can pick a fight and look after itself.”
By Lauren Myracle | 2004 .
The first novel to be written in IM, its main characters use it to discuss their lives which include sex, drinking and a lecherous Christian school teacher. Not surprisingly, the book has caused debate but has won plaudits for its willingness to take on teen issues, all while addressing the choices teens make.
Copies
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By James Howe | 2005.
The victim of a homophobic school bully, Joe discovers himself when writing an assignment in the form of an “alpha biography” – the story of his life from A-Z. In the process he finds that it is okay to be Totally Joe and to “come out”. Unfortunately, the theme of the book has been enough to elicit complaints from parents to the point where the book has been removed from some libraries.
Copies
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Twilight
By Stephenie Meyer | Twilight (series) | 2005.
A key aspect of vampirism is sexuality and the relationship between Edward and Bella too has raised objections. One young person said of the criticism the book generated “Here is a top five list of the reasons that I think people wanting to ban these books are absolutely crazy: nothing naughty happens, they’re make-believe characters, the books champion not having sex before marriage, they provide an excellent platform to discuss faith issues and they get kids reading.”
By Stephenie Meyer | Twilight (series) | 2005.
A key aspect of vampirism is sexuality and the relationship between Edward and Bella too has raised objections. One young person said of the criticism the book generated “Here is a top five list of the reasons that I think people wanting to ban these books are absolutely crazy: nothing naughty happens, they’re make-believe characters, the books champion not having sex before marriage, they provide an excellent platform to discuss faith issues and they get kids reading.”
Two Boys Kissing
By David Levithan | 2006.
The two boys kissing are Craig and Harry, trying to set the world record for the longest kiss. They’re not a couple, but used to be. Peter and Neil are a couple. Their kisses are different. Avery and Ryan have only just met and are trying to figure out what happens next. As the marathon progresses, these boys, their friends and families evaluate the changing nature of feelings, behaviour and love. Much of the disapproval expressed came from the book cover image of two boys kissing. One other complaint was that the book “condones public displays of affection”.
By David Levithan | 2006.
The two boys kissing are Craig and Harry, trying to set the world record for the longest kiss. They’re not a couple, but used to be. Peter and Neil are a couple. Their kisses are different. Avery and Ryan have only just met and are trying to figure out what happens next. As the marathon progresses, these boys, their friends and families evaluate the changing nature of feelings, behaviour and love. Much of the disapproval expressed came from the book cover image of two boys kissing. One other complaint was that the book “condones public displays of affection”.
Copies
Search the Library Catalogue
Search the Library Catalogue
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
By Sherman Alexie | 2007.
A native American boy from a dysfunctional family attends an all-white school away from the reservation and encounters bullying and racism. Challenges came not just for raising those issues but it was accused of being anti-family, cultural insensitive, portraying addiction, using offensive language and being sexually explicit. One reviewer commented “If Arnold can overcome generations of poverty and bigotry, if he can lose his best friend over his decision to better himself and forgive a drunk driver for the death of his grandmother, then surely we can accept the use of the word ‘f*ck’ every so often.”
By Sherman Alexie | 2007.
A native American boy from a dysfunctional family attends an all-white school away from the reservation and encounters bullying and racism. Challenges came not just for raising those issues but it was accused of being anti-family, cultural insensitive, portraying addiction, using offensive language and being sexually explicit. One reviewer commented “If Arnold can overcome generations of poverty and bigotry, if he can lose his best friend over his decision to better himself and forgive a drunk driver for the death of his grandmother, then surely we can accept the use of the word ‘f*ck’ every so often.”
Copies
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Thirteen Reasons Why
By Jay Asher | 2007.
Slated for its references to drugs, sex and suicide, the story tells of a boy who finds he’s the owner of a box of cassettes recorded by his classmate, Hannah, who has committed suicide. Hannah explains that there are 13 reasons why she did what she did, and Clay is one of them. The author offered up this poignant response: “The very day I found out ‘Thirteen Reasons Why’ was the third most-challenged book, I received an e-mail from a reader claiming my book kept her from committing suicide. I dare any censor to tell that girl it was inappropriate for her to read my book.”
By Jay Asher | 2007.
Slated for its references to drugs, sex and suicide, the story tells of a boy who finds he’s the owner of a box of cassettes recorded by his classmate, Hannah, who has committed suicide. Hannah explains that there are 13 reasons why she did what she did, and Clay is one of them. The author offered up this poignant response: “The very day I found out ‘Thirteen Reasons Why’ was the third most-challenged book, I received an e-mail from a reader claiming my book kept her from committing suicide. I dare any censor to tell that girl it was inappropriate for her to read my book.”
The Miseducation of Cameron Post
By Emily M. Danforth | 2012.
Criticised for its offensive language, drug/ alcohol use and gay sex, the story deals with a girl who is sent by her aunt to a “de-gaying” camp. The author commented “My experience of researching this conversion therapy was often upsetting and always baffling. There’s absolutely zero credible scientific evidence to suggest that such ‘therapies’ are effective at changing attraction or desire or identity in the least. In fact, there is much evidence that such ‘therapies’ cause all kinds of harm to those who partake in them.”
By Emily M. Danforth | 2012.
Criticised for its offensive language, drug/ alcohol use and gay sex, the story deals with a girl who is sent by her aunt to a “de-gaying” camp. The author commented “My experience of researching this conversion therapy was often upsetting and always baffling. There’s absolutely zero credible scientific evidence to suggest that such ‘therapies’ are effective at changing attraction or desire or identity in the least. In fact, there is much evidence that such ‘therapies’ cause all kinds of harm to those who partake in them.”
The Fault in Our Stars
By John Green | 2012.
Two teens, with cancer, Grace and Augustus, meet at a support group. After reading each other’s favourite novel, they endeavour to find out the fate of one of the characters in Grace’s choice. The book was not only slammed for its inclusion of offensive language and sex, but even for covering death and cancer. As one reviewer said “The thing that bothered me about The Daily Mail piece [which condemned the book] was that it was a bit condescending to teenagers. I’m tired of adults telling teenagers that they aren’t smart, that they can’t read critically, that they aren’t thoughtful.”
By John Green | 2012.
Two teens, with cancer, Grace and Augustus, meet at a support group. After reading each other’s favourite novel, they endeavour to find out the fate of one of the characters in Grace’s choice. The book was not only slammed for its inclusion of offensive language and sex, but even for covering death and cancer. As one reviewer said “The thing that bothered me about The Daily Mail piece [which condemned the book] was that it was a bit condescending to teenagers. I’m tired of adults telling teenagers that they aren’t smart, that they can’t read critically, that they aren’t thoughtful.”
This One Summer
By Mariko Tamaki| 2014.
Rose meets her friend, Windy, every summer but one year, they start to explore their interest in boys and pay attention to the emotional lives of adults and other people their age around them. This graphic novel was challenged because it included LGBT characters, drug use and profanity, and it was considered too sexually explicit and dealt with mature themes teenagers could be expected to handle.
By Mariko Tamaki| 2014.
Rose meets her friend, Windy, every summer but one year, they start to explore their interest in boys and pay attention to the emotional lives of adults and other people their age around them. This graphic novel was challenged because it included LGBT characters, drug use and profanity, and it was considered too sexually explicit and dealt with mature themes teenagers could be expected to handle.
Queer Voices
These are the 5 books selected by Banned Books Week 2018 that are by or about LGBTQ+ voices that have been banned, challenged or censored
By Radclyffe Hall | 1923.
This frank portrayal of lesbianism and gender fluidity resulted in the British court ruling it as violating the Obscene Publications Act and fearing it would encourage female homosexuality.
The Quilt and Other Stories,
By Ismat Chughtai | 1990.
In 1944, Indian Muslim author Ismat Chughtai successfully defended herself before the Imperial Crown Court against a charge of obscenity for her short story about a married woman and her maidservant.
By Ismat Chughtai | 1990.
In 1944, Indian Muslim author Ismat Chughtai successfully defended herself before the Imperial Crown Court against a charge of obscenity for her short story about a married woman and her maidservant.
Copies
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I am Jazz,
by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings | 2014.
US censors wanted this book removed from shelves because it depicts a transgender child and its supposedly offensive viewpoints.
by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings | 2014.
US censors wanted this book removed from shelves because it depicts a transgender child and its supposedly offensive viewpoints.
Copies
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Search the Library Catalogue
A Brief History of Seven Killings,
By Marlon James | 2014.
Marlon James was born in Jamaica, where same-sex activity can be punishable by prison.
His Man Booker Prize winning novel was about “a gay hitman going through boyfriend trouble."
By Marlon James | 2014.
Marlon James was born in Jamaica, where same-sex activity can be punishable by prison.
His Man Booker Prize winning novel was about “a gay hitman going through boyfriend trouble."
Under the Udala Trees,
By Chinelo Okparanta | 2015.
A novel about a young lesbian woman’s coming of age in Nigeria during the Civil War. In Nigeria, same-sex activity is still illegal, and can be punished by prison or in some places, death.
By Chinelo Okparanta | 2015.
A novel about a young lesbian woman’s coming of age in Nigeria during the Civil War. In Nigeria, same-sex activity is still illegal, and can be punished by prison or in some places, death.
Obscene & Offensive Stories
These are the 5 books selected by Banned Books Week 2018 about Obscene & Offensive stories that have been banned or challenged for being deemed obscene or offensive.
One Hundred Years of Solitude,
By Gabriel GarcÃa Márquez | 1967.
This Nobel Prize winning novel was banned from many US schools due to its offensive language, disregard for religious and political authority, sexually explicit and disturbing scenes.
By Gabriel GarcÃa Márquez | 1967.
This Nobel Prize winning novel was banned from many US schools due to its offensive language, disregard for religious and political authority, sexually explicit and disturbing scenes.
Lady Chatterley's Lover,
By D. H. Lawrence | 1928.
When the full version of D. H. Lawrence’s most famous novel was published by Penguin in 1960, the publisher was taken to court under the Obscene Publications Act of 1959 for explicit sexual content.
By D. H. Lawrence | 1928.
When the full version of D. H. Lawrence’s most famous novel was published by Penguin in 1960, the publisher was taken to court under the Obscene Publications Act of 1959 for explicit sexual content.
The God of Small Things,
By Arundhati Roy | 1987.
An obscenity case was filed against Arundhati Roy by a lawyer in Kerala claiming that Chapter 21 contains an obscene scene.
By Arundhati Roy | 1987.
An obscenity case was filed against Arundhati Roy by a lawyer in Kerala claiming that Chapter 21 contains an obscene scene.
The Spy Who Loved Me,
By Ian Fleming | 1962.
Australia has a history of banning and censoring books deemed too erotic or pornographic - and in the 1960s, Ian Fleming’s The Spy Who Loved Me suffered the same fate.
By Ian Fleming | 1962.
Australia has a history of banning and censoring books deemed too erotic or pornographic - and in the 1960s, Ian Fleming’s The Spy Who Loved Me suffered the same fate.
The Proof of Honey,
By Salwa Al Neimi | 2007.
Banned in several Arab countries for being deemed too erotic, this novel portrays an Arab woman’s sexual experiences, her outlook on love.
By Salwa Al Neimi | 2007.
Banned in several Arab countries for being deemed too erotic, this novel portrays an Arab woman’s sexual experiences, her outlook on love.
Stories by Writers of Colour
These are the 5 books selected by Banned Books Week 2018 by writers of colour that have been banned or challenged for being deemed obscene or offensive. If a digital copy is available, it is linked, other items can be found in our catalogue.
Stick Out Your Tongue,
By Ma Jian | 1987.
This book, which highlights Han Chinese occupation of Tibet, was banned in China in 1987.
By Ma Jian | 1987.
This book, which highlights Han Chinese occupation of Tibet, was banned in China in 1987.
All the Rivers
by Dorit Rabinyan | 2015.
Banned in Israel for depicting a love story and intimate relations between a Jewish woman and Arab man.
by Dorit Rabinyan | 2015.
Banned in Israel for depicting a love story and intimate relations between a Jewish woman and Arab man.
The Man Died,
By Wole Soyinka | 1972.
Imprisoned without trial at the start of the Nigerian Civil War, Nobel Prize-winning African writer Wole Soyinka’s book The Man Died was banned for Libel by the Nigerian Government.
By Wole Soyinka | 1972.
Imprisoned without trial at the start of the Nigerian Civil War, Nobel Prize-winning African writer Wole Soyinka’s book The Man Died was banned for Libel by the Nigerian Government.
Copies
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The Colour Purple,
By Alice Walker | 1982.
This 1983 Pulitzer Prize winning novel focuses on black female life in 1930s Georgia, and was banned in a California school for its focus on religion, race and sexuality.
By Alice Walker | 1982.
This 1983 Pulitzer Prize winning novel focuses on black female life in 1930s Georgia, and was banned in a California school for its focus on religion, race and sexuality.
Copies
Search the Library Catalogue
Search the Library Catalogue
The Devil's Dance,
By Hamid Ismailov¦
Bringing to life 19th century Turkestan this brilliantly digressive novel was placed under a blanket ban in Uzbekistan for 27 years.
By Hamid Ismailov¦
Bringing to life 19th century Turkestan this brilliantly digressive novel was placed under a blanket ban in Uzbekistan for 27 years.
Copies
Search the Library Catalogue
Search the Library Catalogue
Stories of Sacrilege
These are the 5 books selected by Banned Books Week 2018 on the basis of religious - or sacrilegious - reasons that have been banned or challenged for being deemed obscene or offensive.
If a digital copy is available, it is linked, other items can be found in our catalogue.
The Satanic Verses
By Salman Rushdie | 1988.
This book was banned as hate speech in India and inspired outrage amongst some parts of the Muslim community to the extent that the Iranian government backed the fatwa calling for Rushdie’s death.
By Salman Rushdie | 1988.
This book was banned as hate speech in India and inspired outrage amongst some parts of the Muslim community to the extent that the Iranian government backed the fatwa calling for Rushdie’s death.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,
By J. K. Rowling | 1997.
This book has been challenged in the USA by a number of religious groups claiming that the fantasy series about young wizards promotes occultism and paganism.
By J. K. Rowling | 1997.
This book has been challenged in the USA by a number of religious groups claiming that the fantasy series about young wizards promotes occultism and paganism.
Fahrenheit 451,
By Ray Bradbury | 1953.
Depicting the burning of a bible, this novel has been frequently challenged by US censors who claim that it promotes atheism and attacks Christianity, in particular the Catholic church.
By Ray Bradbury | 1953.
Depicting the burning of a bible, this novel has been frequently challenged by US censors who claim that it promotes atheism and attacks Christianity, in particular the Catholic church.
His Dark Materials,
By Philip Pullman | 1995.
Declaring that it promoted atheism and attacked Christianity, in particular the Catholic church, this book has been frequently challenged by US censors.
By Philip Pullman | 1995.
Declaring that it promoted atheism and attacked Christianity, in particular the Catholic church, this book has been frequently challenged by US censors.
Copies
Search the Library Catalogue
Search the Library Catalogue
Lajja (‘Shame’),
By Taslima Nasrin | 1993.
Taslima Nasrin experienced physical attacks, protests and had a bounty offered her death following the publication of this book which depicts a Hindu family being attacked by Muslims. She lives in exile.
By Taslima Nasrin | 1993.
Taslima Nasrin experienced physical attacks, protests and had a bounty offered her death following the publication of this book which depicts a Hindu family being attacked by Muslims. She lives in exile.
The Stories of Women
These are the 5 books selected by Banned Books Week 2018 by women that have been banned or challenged for being deemed obscene or offensive.
If a digital copy is available, it is linked, other items can be found in our catalogue.
The Handmaid’s Tale,
By Margaret Atwood |1985.
This Booker Prize winning novel was banned in the US because of its sexually explicit scenes of female degradation were deemed too explicit.
By Margaret Atwood |1985.
This Booker Prize winning novel was banned in the US because of its sexually explicit scenes of female degradation were deemed too explicit.
Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging, By Louise Rennison | 1999.
This novel has been the target of US censors due to its female main character’s frequently disrespectful attitude towards authority and its sexual content.
This novel has been the target of US censors due to its female main character’s frequently disrespectful attitude towards authority and its sexual content.
Not Without My Daughter,
By Betty Mahmoody, 1987.
The true story of Betty Mahmoody’s attempt to escape Iran, society’s treatment of women and its criticism of the patriarchy was banned in Iran.
By Betty Mahmoody, 1987.
The true story of Betty Mahmoody’s attempt to escape Iran, society’s treatment of women and its criticism of the patriarchy was banned in Iran.
Copies
Search the Library Catalogue
Search the Library Catalogue
The Bluest Eye,
By Toni Morrison, 1970.
Focusing on the life of an African-American girl in the 1940s, attempts were made to ban this book for dealing with topics of racism, incest and child molestation.
By Toni Morrison, 1970.
Focusing on the life of an African-American girl in the 1940s, attempts were made to ban this book for dealing with topics of racism, incest and child molestation.
The Bastard of Istanbul,
By Elif Shafak, 2006.
Abortion, a house full of women and a mysterious curse meaning all men over 40 die within the family, The Bastard of Istanbul was at the top of Turkish bestsellers lists.
By Elif Shafak, 2006.
Abortion, a house full of women and a mysterious curse meaning all men over 40 die within the family, The Bastard of Istanbul was at the top of Turkish bestsellers lists.
Finding Books That Are Not In The Library
Sometimes it may not be possible to find a book in one of our libraries or in one of our ebooks collections. Remember that you can join any library in the UK and access their collections. There are also many specialist bookshops that have hard to find books. Here are a few places you can look.
eBooks
If the book you want in not in Libby from Overdrive or RB digital then here are a few places that you can find ebooks for free.
Hathi Trust
The Hathi Trust has a good selection of mainly out of copyright academic books but there is a small selection of fiction.
The Hathi Trust has a good selection of mainly out of copyright academic books but there is a small selection of fiction.
Project Guttenberg
Project Guttenberg is a library of over 60,000 free eBooks. Choose among free epub and Kindle eBooks, download them or read them online
National Library of Australia
A small selection of out of copyright Australian books from the National Library of Australia.
Digital Library of the Caribbean
Digital Library Caribbean has mostly historical eBooks but a small collection of fiction. It is a cooperative digital library for resources from and about the Caribbean and circum-Caribbean.
Audio Books
If the audiobook you want in not in Libby from Overdrive or RB Digital then here are a few other places you can find audiobooksAudible
Paid service which requires a monthly subscription, wide selection of audiobooks.
Libre Vox
Wide selection of out of copyright books, read by volunteers, narrator may change mid book and quality may vary.
Specialist Bookshops
Here are some specialist bookstores that stock difficult to find material. 
Gay's The Word
Gay's The Word is the only specifically lesbian and gay bookstore in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1979 has many difficult to find titles.
Gay's The Word is the only specifically lesbian and gay bookstore in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1979 has many difficult to find titles.
New Beacon Books
New Beacon Books has a wide selection of books from Caribbean, African and Black British Authors.
Links
Index on Censorship
Index on Censorship is a nonprofit that campaigns for and defends free expression worldwide. They publish work by censored writers and artists, promote debate, and monitor threats to free speech.
They believe that everyone should be free to express themselves without fear of harm or persecution – no matter what their views.
Banned Books Week
Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. Typically held during the last week of September, it highlights the value of free and open access to information
50 Banned Books
A list of 50 more banned books from Banned Books week. These titles represent the tip of the iceberg - according to the American Library Association more than 11,000 books have been challenged since the early 1980s.
A list of 50 more banned books from Banned Books week. These titles represent the tip of the iceberg - according to the American Library Association more than 11,000 books have been challenged since the early 1980s.
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