Banned Books Week

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Ohrstrom Library is celebrating Banned Books Week with a special display. Stop by the front desk of the library to see the “Burning Book” display created by Mrs. Kittler, designed to bring attention to the challenges to the First Amendment that censorship brings. Her book sculpture was created from a previously damaged and discarded book which she further aged and singed to create the illusion of a burning book. A sign that says “This book donated itself to Library Science” accompanies the display, as well as a cart full of books that have at one time been banned or challenged for their contents.

Banned Books Week is being celebrated across the country this week. The American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom is the official organizer of Banned Books Week, and describes this annual event on its website in this way:

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. . .

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.

Stop by Ohrstrom Library to see the display, browse the books, and stand up for your right to read! As always, we love it when you check out books on display!

 

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