Banned Books Week 2011

We are in the midst of Banned Books Week (September 24-October 1). Read-Out events (reading of banned books in public) have been integral in the celebration of intellectual freedom. But this year is special in that, for the first time, everyone can let their voices be heard in one place (YouTube).  Here's where you can get the details on how to participate.

Banned Books Week was started in 1982 by the American Library Association, the American Booksellers Association, the Association of American Publishers and the National Association of College Stores to raise awareness of censorship problems in the US and abroad. For over 25 years, it has remained the only national celebration of the freedom to read. In 2011, the American Society of Journalists and Authors, Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, National Council of Teachers of English, and PEN American Center signed on as co-sponsors of the event.

Held during the last week of September, Banned Books Week highlights the benefits of free and open access to information while drawing attention to the harms of censorship. Intellectual freedom which is the freedom to access information and express ideas, even if the information and ideas might be considered unorthodox or unpopular, provides the foundation of Banned Books Week.

Banned and/or Challenged Classics How many of these have you read? And loved?

Frequently Challenged Books

Protect your rights to read what you wish, and for others to do the same. You alone have the distinct responsibility to allow or disallow what your children can read.

Go ahead, read a banned book if you want to. It's your right.

Angela