Book Club: Banned Books 250 reads George Orwell's 1984

Discuss a classic dystopian novel that explores surveillance, power and resistance. George Orwell’s 1984 imagines a totalitarian society where truth is controlled and individuality is suppressed. Reflect on the novel’s themes and their continued relevance in today’s world.

This book club is part of Banned Books 250, a special exhibition on view May 16–August 29, 2026 at the American Bookbinders Museum. This 250-year retrospective traces how books have been challenged, restricted, and suppressed—from early colonial bans to today’s debates over identity, sexuality, and free expression—offering a deeper look at the ongoing struggle between censorship and the right to read.  View the complete Banned Books 250 exhibit booklist.