The American Library Association is observing Banned Books Week, an annual celebration of the value of free and open access to information, October 4–10. Here are a few notable quotes on book-banning and intellectual freedom from the past year.

“Book bans are pervasive and insidious threats to creative expression and intellectual freedom. Stories are an unparalleled tool for truth, and in the face of fear of misinformation, it is paramount that truth prevails.”

Tony Weaver Jr. , Banned Books Week honorary cochair and author of the graphic novel Weirdo, Banned Books Week, Sept. 17

“Very often libraries are the first to be attacked. Librarians have borne a greater sense of responsibility than the average person. It might not be the job they signed up for.”

Author Min Jin Lee , National Book Award finalist for Pachinko, AL: The Scoop, June 28

“I still firmly believe it is the parent’s choice on what their child should be able to read.…