September 27−October 3, 2015
Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read.
Typically held during the last week of September, it highlights the value of free and open access to information.
Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community –- librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types –- in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.
A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others. As such, they are considered to be a threat to freedom of speech and choices of an individual.
By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship. Check out the frequently challenged books section to explore the issues and controversies around book challenges and book banning. The books featured during Banned
Books Week have all been targeted with removal or restrictions in libraries and schools. While books have been and continue to be banned, part of the Banned Books Week celebration is the fact that, in a majority of cases, the books have remained available. This happens only thanks to the efforts of librarians, teachers, students, and community members who stand up and speak out for the freedom to read.
Banned Books Week Events
Lockport Branch:
Banned Book Pop Art: Sept. 28, 4 p.m. Using Pop Art inspired imagery, create art about banned books and censorship.
Banned Book Pages Art: Sept. 29, 4 p.m. Make illustrations from pages in banned books.
Larose Branch:
Banned Books Movie Matinee: Sept. 29, 4 p.m. Refreshments served.
Gheens Branch:
Banned Book Scavenger Hunt: Prizes will be given to those who correctly complete the hunt. All ages. Tuesday, September 29, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Raceland Branch:
Banned Books Mixed Media Craft: Sept. 29, 5 p.m
Golden Meadow Branch:
Movie for banned book Week: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Tuesday, September 29, 4pm
A Few of the 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of the Last Decade:
(Click on the title to see the book in our catalog)