September is almost here, and the Library has already posted and released its schedule of programs for the month.  These calendars are available online and at both circulation desks.  Our September issue of BookPage has arrived early and is also available now.  So as the hot weather begins to break, library users might want to get ready early for September.

 

Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read.  This year it is being held from September 25th to October 1st.  The week brings together the entire book community: librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers and readers of all types, in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas.

 

By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship.  The books featured during Banned Books Week have all been targeted with removal or restrictions in libraries and schools.  While books have been and continue to be banned, part of the Banned Books Week celebration is the fact that, in a majority of the cases, the books have remained available.  This happens only thanks to the efforts of librarians, teachers, students, and community members who stand up and speak out for the freedom to read.

 

Readers are often surprised at the books that have been challenged.  From “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” to “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck to “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret” by Judy Blume, the list even includes the Bible.  There are books by Maurice Sendak, Lois Lowry, Maya Angelou, Margaret Atwood, Toni Morrison, Kurt Vonnegut, Harper Lee, Roald Dahl, Shel Silverstein, Aldous Huxley, and Ken Follett. 

 

The library is encouraging readers to read a banned book anytime, but especially in September.  A list is available at the circulation desk, and books will be on display in the front of the library.  If you fill out a ticket when you’ve read your selection, you will be entered to win a prize.