September 27 - October 3, 2020 is Banned Books Week. Banning books is a form of censorship, and this week we are joining libraries across the country to bring awareness to the harms of censorship and the importance of intellectual freedom.
“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.” - BannedBooksWeek.org
Many well-known titles have been challenged in the past. These books were often seen as disruptive or challenging to the status quo. Looking back, we can see that these titles inspired change and gave voice to individuals who were previously unheard. These powerful works of fiction provide unique insight into historical events and perspectives.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin
The Awakening by Kate Chopin
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Animal Farm by George Orwell
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
We encourage you to pick up one of these titles and exercise your freedom to read.
Visit the American Library Association’s Banned Books page for lists of more challenged titles and ways you can advocate for intellectual freedom.