Banned Books Week!!
Every year, the TVCC Library joins
with the American Library Association and libraries across the United States in
celebrating Banned Books Week. This year,
BBW is September 22nd thru the 26th.
What is Banned Books Week? Most of
us have heard of banning books or burning books in an historical context...
something you may have read in a history textbook yet doesn't seem relevant
today. What many don't realize is the practice of banning books (removing them
from libraries and school curriculum) still happens today. Not only does it
still happen, but it is happening in the United States.
Part of our American character is
that this country was founded on certain fundamental freedoms we all have which
are guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution. As a society we celebrate those
freedoms, stand on them, defend them. One of those freedoms is the Freedom to
Read, which means the freedom to read, to think, to speak, and to choose. Book
banning defies that freedom by removing access to books or other materials
because individuals may find some of the content offensive.
The list of books that have been challenged or removed from library shelves over the years is astounding. For example, the American Dictionary was removed from a library because some of the words defined were deemed inappropriate to all readers. Little Red Riding Hood by the Grimm brothers was removed from school libraries because, "The basket carried by Little Red Riding Hood contained a bottle of wine, which condones the use of alcohol."
This week please join with us in celebrating your freedom to read and choose for yourselves what you like to read. What to expect...
The list of books that have been challenged or removed from library shelves over the years is astounding. For example, the American Dictionary was removed from a library because some of the words defined were deemed inappropriate to all readers. Little Red Riding Hood by the Grimm brothers was removed from school libraries because, "The basket carried by Little Red Riding Hood contained a bottle of wine, which condones the use of alcohol."
This week please join with us in celebrating your freedom to read and choose for yourselves what you like to read. What to expect...
- You will find lots of information about banned books and a great selection of them in the Library.
- We will be hosting a public read-aloud event each evening Monday thru Thursday in the Library from 7-9. Come listen to live reading by some of our TVCC staff and faculty or read yourself from your favorite banned book.
- Watch the ALA YouTube channel to hear other banned book readers and authors in the Library throughout the week.
- Enter the Library's BBW contest here on the blog, on our Facebook page, or in the Library itself and be entered to win prizes throughout the week!
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