Amidst a shocking increase of efforts to ban books from shelves and classrooms, here at Powell’s we firmly believe in everyone’s freedom to read. When we prevent people from finding difficult, fractious, or simply different ideas, we end life-changing conversations before they start. On this page, you’ll find guest essays, recommendations, and curated, in-store displays filled with banned books that have opened our horizons to new perspectives and ideas. Book by book, let's fight for our right to build bridges toward one another, and toward a future of unity founded on mutual understanding and respect.

Last fall, during Banned Books Week, we looked at Amnesty International's work with imprisoned or threatened writers, dove into the role of the OIFC, and shared the banned books that have opened our horizons to new perspectives and ideas.

In 2022, we’re so excited to launch an ongoing donation — 20% of the online sales of these 20 titles will be donated to American Booksellers for Free Expression. Find those features and more below.