Celebrate with a Banned Books Lounge!

 I had the absolute pleasure of hosting a program in honor of Banned Books Week today called the Banned Books Lounge. This hour-long event was more than just a discussion—it was a celebration of our freedom to read, a time to reflect on the significance of intellectual freedom, and a space to share stories that have been challenged or banned over the years.

Throughout the hour, we explored the power of literature and why it’s so important to keep conversations about censorship alive. Some of my favorite books were part of the lineup: Catcher in the Rye, Charlotte's Web, The Giver, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and Where the Wild Things Are. These books have faced challenges for a variety of reasons, but today, we honored them for the impact they've had on readers of all ages.

One of the highlights for me was reading the Grand High Witch's speech from Roald Dahl's The Witches aloud to the group. It's a passage that’s been both feared and loved, and hearing it in this context reminded us all of the unique and sometimes controversial power of storytelling. The discussion that followed was totally amazing. We delved into the topic of censorship and how it affects our ability to engage in critical thinking. Together, we reflected on how banned books often challenge us to question the world around us, offer new perspectives, and help us connect with our shared history.

It was truly inspiring to hear everyone share their thoughts on why these books matter, and why the freedom to read should never be taken for granted. Banned Books Week is more than a time to celebrate the books we love—it’s a reminder of the importance of access to ideas, and the role libraries play in ensuring that these ideas remain available to all.

Banned Books Week 2024: Freed Between the Lines

Banned Books Week 2024: Freed Between the Lines

Banned Books Week 2024 is here! From September 22 to September 28, let's celebrate our freedom to read and shine a light on the ongoing challenges to freedom of expression. This year’s theme, "Freed Between the Lines," reminds us of the importance of protecting access to diverse and often controversial stories—stories that help us see the world from different perspectives.

Banned Books Week is more than just a celebration—it's a reminder that censorship limits our ability to explore, learn, and grow. By reading and discussing banned books, we keep the conversation going and defend our right to seek out all kinds of ideas. 

Banned Books Week is also a time to celebrate the diverse stories that make us who we are. It’s a reminder that no matter how uncomfortable or challenging a book might be, it deserves to be read, discussed, and cherished. When we protect our right to read, we protect our right to learn, grow, and understand each other a little better.

What is your favorite Banned Book? I have a lot of favorites and I'll be sharing about them and other ideas all week long. Let me know what yours are in the comments. I’d love to hear your favorites!