This September marks the the 40th anniversary of Banned Books Week! To celebrate we have placed many of the previous commemorative posters on display throughout the Main Library.
Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. 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. If you would like to learn more here is a link to the Frequently Asked Questions page on the American Library Association’s website.
Banned Books Week 2022 will be held September 18 – 24. The theme of this year’s event is “Books Unite Us. Censorship Divides Us.” Our poster exhibit will be on display through the end of the month. After September the posters will be featured in meeting spaces and other display areas of the library.