The Library and Danish PEN focus on literature censorship and book confiscations through the campaign #BannedBooks. Despite freedom of expression in Denmark, there has been a significant tradition throughout history of censoring and banning works.
Literature facilitator Felix Rothstein from the Library shares multifaceted censorship stories from Denmark and the world – from Herman Bang to modern legal bans. The program unfolds a fascinating journey through some of the most controversial and problematic cases of book censorship.
Danish PEN, part of the international human rights organization PEN International, emphasizes that waves of censorship are growing globally. In the USA, around 23,000 books were removed from schools since 2021, particularly works on LGBTQ+ themes and African American history. Similar trends are seen in Asia, Russia, the Middle East, and Europe. Authors and librarians face increasing pressure and persecution.
The event therefore maps both historical and contemporary struggles for freedom of expression and the right to read without interference.
