It's that time of year again...Banned Books Week. This annual celebration of your right to read is held during the last week of September. According to the American Library Association "intellectual freedom is the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction. It provides for free access to all expressions of ideas through which any and all sides of a question, cause or movement may be explored." This concept is the foundation of our democracy and an inalienable right of all U.S. citizens. Despite this truth, attempts at book censorship, banning and even burning are made daily. The long list of challenged books include Pulitzer Prize winners, New York Times best-sellers, classic works of literature, beloved narratives and more. Avoid the perils of book banning and enjoy the pleasures of reading during Banned Book Week 2010 (and all year long!)
To learn more:
*Check out the BBW video included above. It was created by Andy Woodworth (author of the blog Agnostic, Maybe) to highlight this important week. He was inspired by the new "iPad is" ad.
*If you only have the time or inclination to pursue one of the options included here, I highly recommend Anna Quindlen's New York Times article Public & Private; Don't Read This. Published in 1994, the piece still holds true today and delivers a poignant message.
*The New York Times also published a piece this year by Amanda Christy Brown and Holly Epstein Ojalvo titled 10 Ways to Celebrated Banned Books Week. Although it is geared toward school teachers and students, everyone can benefit from the interesting ideas and links.
*Don't miss the section of ALA's website devoted to Banned Books Week. Here you will find a heaping serving of facts about banned and challenged books.
*Embrace your freedom of speech by sharing your thoughts on book banning and challenging.
