The last two years have seen a steady increase in the number of books challenged for removal from public libraries and schools. Though most of these challenges happen in more conservative areas of the country, these rulings still have a wider affect regarding censorship. The issues that arise most often when books are challenged include sexuality, gender, and race. School libraries take the brunt of this, while books, textbooks, and graphic novels are the mediums with the most challenges. In times like these, Banned Books Week is a welcomed event, to support both challenged books and their readers alike.
Banned Books Week is a national celebration of books that are challenged and a way for libraries to support these titles along with the freedom for patrons to read any content. Originally launched in 1982 in response to the surge of challenged books, it’s purpose was to bring the reading community together in shared support of open access to information and raise awareness to the harm censorship brings. This year, Banned Book Week will take place from September 18th-24th with the theme; “Books Unite Us. Censorship Divides Us”.
The Blough-Weis library will be taking part in Banned Books Week, setting up a stand with some of the most challenged books in the last few years. A few titles that will be featured at library include;
Gender Queer is one of the most contested books over the last few years. Challenged for its depictions of LGBTQ+ content and explicit images, this graphic novel depicts Kobabe’s journey of self-identity as a nonbinary, asexual person and acceptance from friends and family. The Social Justice Book Club has selected this book as their first reading, with the first meeting scheduled for September 19th at 5 p.m. in the library, Room 104.
The 1619 Project is considered the book to spark controversy regarding Critical Race Theory. The 1619 project features multiple essays regarding the impacts slavery has on modern day America and reframes the country’s history with the context of slavery. Many Republicans criticized the book, claiming it to be “propaganda” and insisted on banning the book from libraries.
Another book banned for LGBTQ+ and explicit content, All Boys Aren’t Blue is a memoir detailing Johnson’s life growing up in New Jersey and Virginia as a Black queer person. This book is the third most banned book in the country, having been banned from libraries in at least ten states.
Banned Books Week at Blough-Weis Library starts Sunday, September 19th and ends Saturday, September 24th. All of the books mentioned and more will be promoted at the front display in the entrance at the library.
You must be logged in to post a comment.