Children's Books discussion

Arkansas (yes Arkansas!)
The Central Arkansas Library System

Giving away copies of a book that comes up in banning discussions, while conducting a campaign to raise public awareness.

CALS is giving away 50 copies of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Those interested can send an email to SixBridgeBookFest@CALS.org with “Crazy Free Books” in the subject. Include your name and the address where you’d like the book sent in your message.

Kansas City
https://www.kansascity.com/kc-city-gu...

Chicago
https://blockclubchicago.org/2023/10/...

Rhode Island/Connecticut
Westerly Library
https://www.thewesterlysun.com/opinio...

Rhode Island
We, the Readers: A Banned Books Event: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 from 6-7:30pm at the William Hall Library

The Freedom to Read: Challenges to Intellectual Freedom Then and Now: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 from 6-7:30pm at the Cranston Public Library

Banned Books Panel: Friday, October 13, 2023 from 7-8pm, at the Lincoln School

Connecticut
Waterbury

Waterbury's Palace Theater is hosting a few events around To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee for Banned Books Week. Starting Oct. 2, the theater will place copies of the book in little free libraries in the Waterbury area, according to marketing and public relations director Andrea Nyquist. Some copies will include free tickets to the stage adaptation of the novel in November.

On Oct. 3, Waterbury writer Tom Santopietro will host a talk. According to the release, the author of the 2018 book, "Why To Kill a Mockingbird Matters: What Harper Lee's Book and America's Iconic Film Mean to Us Today will discuss why the book remains so relevant today. One signed copy of his book, complete with free tickets, will also be placed in a little free library.

New Hartford and Manchester
The Connecticut Library Association is hosting two events called Freedom to Rock. These are concerts held at breweries and hosted by the library association's intellectual freedom committee, according to the events' website. Musician Jeffrey Howard will be performing Oct. 1 at Brewery Legitimus in New Hartford, and Kevin Crane will do a show Oct. 7 at Labyrinth Brewing Company in Manchester. There is a $10 suggested donation for both performances, with proceeds going to the library association.

Hartford

In Hartford, the University of Hartford's Harrison Libraries will have 13 banned books on display from Oct. 1 - 7.

Massachusetts
https://libraries.state.ma.us/pages/l...-

Ohio
Youngstown

Youngstown State University’s Maag Library will celebrate Banned Books Week, Oct. 2 and 3 through a series of events.

The freedom to read will be celebrated 3:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 2 when Colleen Duchon, Maag Library librarian hosts a discussion on banned books and censorship with Christopher Barzak, published author and English professor at YSU. The event will also include refreshments and a book raffle.

Along with the discussion, the library is holding a scavenger hunt with special prizes Oct. 2 and 3.

Indiana
Indianapolis

Vonnegut Museum celebrating Banned Books Week
Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
https://www.wishtv.com/news/local-new...

Michigan
Grand Haven

Loutit District Library to host Banned Books Reading Challenge

New York
Cape Vincent

The Little Free Library at Chateau Chateau, Broadway & Esselstyne Streets, Cape Vincent, NY, United States
Free People Read Freely Join us as we mark Banned Book Week (October 1-7, 2023) at the Little Free Library at Chateau!

Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh
Carnegie Library

will highlight endangered writing while providing more resources to help combat book-banning efforts.

The week includes two “30 Books in 30 Minutes” events, where library staff members highlight favorite banned books by sharing blurbs. Participants also receive a complimentary copy of one of the books.

Library patrons can also expect all-ages programming dedicated to threatened books, including a censored poetry activity and displays showcasing famous “challenged” titles. In addition, CLP will debut new graphics and stickers featuring banned books and asserting the need for open access to books and information.


Part of that accessibility lies in Freedom to Read, a new permanent page on the CLP website. The resource allows readers to find information about banned books and follow library efforts to protect intellectual freedom and “the right to read.”

Tennessee
Nashville

Banned Book Wagon stopped on its maiden voyage at The Bookstore in East Nashville and give out 500 free copies of 12 commonly-banned books. Titles like "The Kite Runner," "The Handmaid’s Tale" and "The Bluest Eye," along information about censorship, will be given out to customers while supplies last.

The book wagon will be open from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Bookshop, located at 1043 W. Eastland Ave, with the shop closing at its normal 7 p.m.

Louisiana
New Orleans
The Banned Books Wagon heads there next!
dropping banned books in Little Free Libraries along the way.

Texas (yes Texas!)
Tyler

The Tyler Public Library will be giving away copies of famous banned books next week in order to celebrate Banned Books Week.

From Oct. 2 to Oct. 6 the library will be giving away paperback copies of “Charlotte’s Web”, “Where The Wild Things Are” and “Fahrenheit 451” on a first come first serve basis.

There’s a limit of one book per family and there are only the following amounts of each book available:

“Charlotte’s Web” – 20 copies available
“Where The Wild Things Are” – 20 copies available
“Fahrenheit 451” – 50 copies available
The library, with the help of their Teen Council, will also have a themed book display which will allow library visitors to reflect on banned or challenged books throughout history.

Let Freedom Read! Two special podcast episodes for #BannedBooksWeek

https://txla.org/news/two-new-podcast...

Wisconsin
Madison
https://www.channel3000.com/madison-m...

Dane County
https://www.beyondthepage.info/banned...

and more!
https://bannedbooksweek.org/events/

Virtual Events
https://www.ink-a-dink.com/

https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/...
https://bannedbooksweek.org/event/ban...

Mansutten Virginia display
Massanutten Regional Library

https://www.nbc29.com/2023/10/06/mass...

Bangor, Maine
https://www.wabi.tv/2023/10/05/bangor...

https://www.newsbreak.com/bangor-me/3...

Wisconsin

Pearl Street Books holds event celebrating the freedom to read
https://www.news8000.com/news/local-n...

Super thread, thank you!

Providence, Rhode Island
Lincoln School for girls hosts the annual Rhode Island Children's Book Festival.

Banned Books Panel
Friday October 13th at 7-8 PM

Grace Lin, Shannon Hale, Anika Aldamuy Denise

along with school librarians Lisa Girard and Marianne Mirando. Beatrice Pulliam, Director of Director of Technology and Information Services will round out the panel with Cheryl Space, Library Director of the Community Libraries of Providence, leading the discussion.

Walla Walla Public Library celebrates challenged titles during Banned Books Week

https://www.union-bulletin.com/news/l...

Ferrum College's Stanley Library (Virginia) spotlights censorship through banned books exhibit

https://wset.com/news/local/ferrum-co...

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - A North Charleston bookstore hosted its fourth annual “Banned Books Week” panel on Wednesday.

https://www.live5news.com/2023/10/12/...

Hudson Valley, New York
Oct. 7 Let Freedom Read Day in public libraries
https://bannedbooksweek.org/let-freed...

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=6...

Banned Books Tour 2023 stops in Coral Gables (Florida) to shine spotlight on titles pulled from school shelves

https://wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dad...

Mississippi State University libraries hosted a panel discussion on the use of graphic novels for educational purposes. The panel was held Oct. 3 at 5:30 p.m. as part of the library’s Banned Books Week initiative.

https://www.reflector-online.com/life...

The Maine Campus: State and school librarians discuss censorship: Protecting society or suppressing prevalent perspectives? –

Fogler Library held an interactive workshop on Oct. 3 to inform participants of how censorship poses a serious threat to librarians and their pursuit of encouraging versatile knowledge in society. Furthermore, they discussed how the unnecessary banning of books has negatively impacted schools, public/private libraries and other learning environments across the globe.

https://mainecampus.com/2023/10/state...

This hybrid event was part of the Salon Series and co-sponsored by Fogler Donors and the Honors College. In recognition of Banned Books Week, Fogler Library welcomed five panelists, each involved with separate public, school and state libraries in Maine.

Michigan

Grand Valley State University’s Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) observed Banned Books Week by hosting a banned books discussion on Oct. 4. The event was part of the OMA’s Conversations of Color series and provided education, awareness and a call to protect books that are being censored.

OMA offers comprehensive programs and services to help celebrate and educate people on social justice efforts to build a diverse and inclusive campus. Since 2019, OMA has hosted Conversations of Color, an event series that provides a space for students to interact with each other while discussing various social justice topics and issues.

Students were encouraged to read books that had been banned as a way to challenge or expand their worldview. The Conversations of Color event also started a discussion on students having access to books about sexual health for all identities.

OMA hosted the Banned Books event with the additional aim of providing a safe space for students of color and queer identities.

https://lanthorn.com/100322/ae/oma-ho...

Austin, Texas

During National Banned Book Week, Oct.1 – 7, Munday Library hosted an honorary event on Oct. 4 dedicated to reading books that have been banned regarding topics about gender, queer identities, ethnicity or race. Students gathered around in the library’s lobby to listen and enjoy the readings of the six books that were featured.

They, She, He Easy as ABC
When Aidan Became A Brother
Sparkle Boy
Worm Loves Worm
Julián Is a Mermaid

https://www.hilltopviewsonline.com/27...

North Carolina-
Celebrating banned book week at Randall Library

Randall Library held their annual banned book read-in on Thursday at 3:30 p.m.

Multiple guest speakers read excerpts of banned books of their choice and shared their opinions or experiences with the novels.

https://theseahawk.org/35313/culture/...

Brooklyn, New York

On Saturday, the final day of Banned Books Week 2023, Teen Vogue gathered some of the most inspiring authors, academics, and teen leaders to talk about the importance of access to literature. The event, in collaboration with the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) at their Brooklyn Heights location, was free and geared toward young people with a passion for reading. What transpired was a day filled with inspiration, hard facts about banned book legislation, and dynamic storytelling.

https://www.teenvogue.com/story/banne...

San Diego, California

SDSU Hosts Student Read Out Event During Banned Book Week

On Wednesday, October 4 at Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union the SDSU library and Associated Students came together to host the Student Read Out event where students and faculty read excerpts from some of their favorite banned books.

The event was put together in an effort to shed light on the importance of access to history, knowledge and education. SDSU Library Dean Scott Walter kicked off the event with a few words for the audience on the importance of having access to all books before opening the stage to a dozen students who read aloud from their favorite banned books.

https://sdvoice.info/sdsu-hosts-stude...

Louisiana-
Shreve Memorial Library lets ‘freedom read’ for Banned Books Week

They celebrated with movie screenings, crafts and interactive activities that were free and open to the public.

https://www.ksla.com/2023/10/05/shrev...

Librarian discusses Banned Books Week and impact on students in Unalaska (Aleutian Islands)

In this episode of "Island Interviews," Irena Adams, librarian for the Unalaska City School District, discusses the most common reasons why books are challenged in schools and the impact of banned books on students.

https://www.kucb.org/show/island-inte...

Fitchburg State University Celebrates Banned Books Week

The Fitchburg State Library celebrated with a display on the first floor of the Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library which aimed to highlight books that have recently been challenged around the country for their LGBTQ content, as well as a display of books focused on Hispanic and Latino American heritage.

https://fitchburgpoint.com/13544/news...

William F. Maag Jr. Library (Youngstown State University, Ohio) celebrated Banned Books Week from Oct. 1 to Oct. 7 to commemorate books banned and challenged across the U.S.

Along with having a banned books scavenger hunt throughout the week, the library hosted a discussion with author and Youngstown State University English professor Christopher Barzak on Oct. 2. His book, “Wonders of the Invisible World,” was challenged by Texas state legislatures and was banned statewide in 2021.

The library displayed over a dozen banned books in its windows with flames painted around them to symbolize the burning of books.

Anyone walking into the library could see statements written on the library’s glass doors listing the number of banned books in several states, including Ohio, which has 127.

https://thejambar.com/maag-library-ce...

Iowa

Drake University in Iowa hosts Let Freedom Read panel

On Aug. 3, 2023, the Urbandale Community School District released a list of nearly 400 books to be removed from shelves, effective immediately. This decision received instant backlash from parents and community members who viewed the ban as a form of discriminatory legislation.

“The department of education isn’t doing its job,” said Sara Hayden Parris, the director of the Johnston-based nonprofit Annie’s Foundation, which distributes banned books to community members free of charge.

On Wednesday, Oct. 4, Hayden Parris attended the Let Freedom Read panel hosted by Drake University. This event was part of a larger, nationwide event called Banned Books Week, an annual event meant to raise awareness about prior and current attempts to ban books and celebrate the freedom to read, according to the American Library Association.

“We are showcasing the most challenged books by book-banners,” said Deana Cunningham, an Access Services Librarian at Drake. “The library is all about creating access, no matter what someone’s viewpoint is. We will never try to ban a book. We will never allow that to happen.”

https://timesdelphic.com/2023/10/cant...