Celebrate Banned Books Week!

 

This week the library will be celebrating the nationally recognized

Banned Books Week.

Why Banned Books Week?

Held during the last week of September since 1982, Banned Books Week not only encourages readers to examine challenged literary works, but also promotes intellectual freedom in libraries, schools, and bookstores. Its goal is "to teach the importance of our First Amendment rights and the power of literature, and to draw attention to the danger that exists when restraints are imposed on the availability of information in a free society."

Often book challenges are motivated by a desire to protect children from “inappropriate” sexual content or “offensive” language. The following were the top three reasons cited for challenging materials as reported to the Office of Intellectual Freedom:

1.     The material was considered to be "sexually explicit"

2.     The material contained "offensive language"

3.     The materials was "unsuited to any age group"

 

 

American libraries are one of the cornerstones of our democracy. Libraries are for everyone, everywhere.

Read an old favorite or a new banned book this week.


Stop by and check out the list of the Top 10 Banned Books of 2013 at our Banned Books Display!