Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom to read
Controversy may not be the first word you think of when you hear the word library. Perhaps you are more likely to think of the words conservative or conventional, or even claustrophobic quietness. But, libraries all over the country embrace controversy and even observe a national week in honor of it.
Typically held the last week of September, Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom to read. It draws attention to current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. Teachers, booksellers, publishers, librarians, journalists and readers of all genres come together to support open access to ideas, even those that may be considered unpopular or unorthodox by some.
Banned Books Week came about in the 1980’s after the Island Trees School District v. Pico (1982) Supreme Court case ruled that school officials can’t ban books in libraries based solely on their content. Despite that historical success, books continue to be banned and challenged.
According to the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom, the top ten most challenged books of 2019 were:
“George” by Alex Gino
“Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out” by Susan Kuklin
“A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo” by Jill Twiss, illustrated by EG Keller
“Sex is a Funny Word” by Cory Silverberg, illustrated by Fiona Smyth
“Prince & Knight” by Daniel Haack, illustrated by Stevie Lewis
“I Am Jazz” by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings, illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas
“The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood
“Drama” written and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier
“Harry Potter” Series by J.K. Rowling
“And Tango Makes Three” by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson, illustrated by Henry Cole.
During the week of September 27 – October 3, you can check out our display of challenged titles at the Sandpoint Library and pick one up to read for yourself. You may be surprised to see some of the titles that have been challenged over the years.
Banned Books Week highlights the individual rights of readers and parents to access and choose books without limitations imposed by others. Books continue to be banned and challenged, but your local libraries of the East Bonner County Library District strive to provide open access to books and other materials for patrons of all ages, even if that puts us at the center of controversy.
EVENTS:
Voter Registration. Tuesdays and Thursdays through Oct. 8 @ 11 AM-1 PM. We'll have all the forms and information you need to register to vote, order absentee ballots and answer any questions you may have about the November election. Masks and social distancing required. Info: Mike Bauer, 208-265-2665
Local Author Connections with Jeremy Smith. Tuesday, Oct. 6 at Noon. A Facebook Live event with author interview, reading, and Q & A session that takes place at the portcullis at Chateau de Melusine (commonly known as Schweitzer Castle), Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Message us with your questions for the author in advance and during the show.
StoryWalk™ - At Dover City Park enjoy "The Monster’s Monster" by Patrick McDonnell, and "Kitten’s First Full Moon”" by Kevin Henkes at McNearny Park in Ponderay. Titles are updated monthly and posted at facebook.com/BonnerStoryWalk.
