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. 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.
One of the most fundamental aspects of this country is the 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, to read and to think whatever
you 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."
Next week please join with us in celebrating your freedom to read and choose for yourselves. What to expect next week...
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."
Next week please join with us in celebrating your freedom to read and choose for yourselves. What to expect next week...
- You will find lots of information about banned books and a great selection of them in the Library.
- Watch the ALA youtube channel to hear other banned book readers and authors in the Library throughout the week.
- Enter the Library's BBW drawing here on the blog, in person in the Library, on Twitter #TVCCreads, or on our Facebook page to be entered to win prizes at the end of the week! Do this by telling us what your favorite banned book is.
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