From the Director’s Desk:
This September 18-24, 2022 is Banned Books Week, and we’re celebrating by protecting the freedom to read for all library patrons.
The American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom started to recognize this week forty years ago to bring attention to attempts to remove books and materials from libraries. We will be highlighting books through in-library displays that used to be banned that we consider classics today, as well as books that have been challenged in more recent years.
When books are removed from libraries, we take away the freedoms from readers to make their own selections, and from parents to determine which books are right for their own children. Removal also sends the message that some people’s stories are not worth telling, or are too dangerous.
Books are an avenue for conversations and education. Books are transformational. They challenge our beliefs and biases, expose us to different experiences and cultures, and help us to think for ourselves and not follow the group think of public opinion.
This Banned Books Week, I encourage you to read stories about the experiences of others.
Caitie Cerise
Library Director
Additional Resources:
Freedom to Read Statement
Intellectual Freedom and Censorship Q & A
Join the Conversation: Virtual Events During Banned Books Week
