Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read, Sept. 24 – 30.

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 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.Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it highlights the value of free and open access to information. Banned Books 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, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.

Thigpen Library is celebrating Banned Books Week by hosting an open mic on Wednesday, September 27th from 12:45-2:15pm at the SRB Amphitheater (rain location: SRB Performing Arts Space). Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to read a passage from a Banned Book provided by the library.

For more information on banned books, see the American Library Association’s Banned and Challenged Books website.

Why are books challenged?

Books are usually challenged to shield others (typically children) from difficult ideas and information. The most common reasons for banning a book are sexually explicit material, offensive language, or material unsuitable for a particular age group.

Who challenges books?

Typically, books are challenged by parents and library patrons.

What books have been challenged?

You might be surprised at some of the books that have been challenged. Frequently challenged books include The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, To Kill a Mockingbird, and the Harry Potter series.