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        • Maria
        27
        Sep 2016

        Categories

        • View all cards in Banned Books Week
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        Banned Books Week

        by Maria September 27, 2016
        , opens a new window
        Banned Books Week Poster, Source: American Library Association

        This September 25 - October 1, 2016, we’re celebrating Banned Books Week and the freedom to read. Every year, hundreds of books are either removed or challenged in schools and libraries in the United States. This annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and aims to raise awareness about the harm that removing or restricting access to books can cause.

        2015 Book Challenges Infographic, Source: ALA

        Groups or individuals around the world challenge books for a variety of reasons. Just check out this recent statistical breakdown on 2015’s Book Challenges. This map of documented cases from 2007-2011 by the American Library Association, opens a new window and the Kids' Right to Read Project, opens a new window is also a fascinating depiction of how close to home and widespread this issue of banning and challenging books is.

        So stand up for your right to read and participate in Banned Books Week activities! You can:

        • Invesitgate and learn more about books that make the frequently challenged lists, opens a new window
        • Take part in a Banned Books Week Virtual Read-Out, opens a new window
        • Share who in your life has most influenced your love of books and your right to read using the hashtag #BannedBooksWeek on social media
        • Read a banned book in our collection, perhaps one of 2015's Book Challenges

        Looking for Alaska

        Fifty Shades of Grey

        I Am Jazz!

        Beyond Magenta

        The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

        The Holy Bible

        Fun Home

        Habibi

        Nasreen's Secret School

        Two Boys Kissing

        Which banned book would you memorize to prevent being lost to the sands of time? Let us know in the comments below.

        View all cards in censorship View all cards in diversity View all cards in holidays
        We welcome your respectful and on-topic comments and questions in this limited public forum. To find out more, please see Appropriate Use When Posting Content. Community-contributed content represents the views of the user, not those of San Mateo County Libraries

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