Libraries and bookstores nationwide are observing "Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read" from September 25 to October 2, 2004. Held during the last week of September each year since 1982, the annual event reminds Americans not to take their freedom to read and think for themselves for granted. Some Timberland libraries will have displays of banned books and all libraries can provide listings of books that have been banned for various reasons over the years.

The American Library Association (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) receives hundreds of reports each year on books and other materials that have been "challenged." In 2003, the OIF received reports of 458 challenges, defined as formal, written complaints filed with a library or school requesting that materials be removed because of content or appropriateness.

Banned Books Week is sponsored by the American Booksellers Association, the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, the ALA, the Association of American Publishers, the American Society of Journalists and Authors, the National Association of College Stores, and local libraries and bookstores. It is endorsed by the Library of Congress Center for the Book.

Timberland Regional Library serves the information, reading and lifelong learning needs of the Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston county public at 27 community libraries and 4 school-based cooperative library centers. The library system is funded by local property taxes. Anyone needing special accommodations to participate in a library’s program may contact the library 4 days in advance.