Banned Books Week at Whole Earth Library

It is that time of year again - Banned Books Week! Held during the last week of September, this event celebrates one of the most basic human rights of any democratic society: the right of intellectual freedom. It is a reminder that ongoing efforts to restrict access to books and information continue to be a major problem for schools and libraries all over the country. Books are challenged for a wide variety of reasons, but the effect of a successful challenge is always to deprive people of the opportunity to learn, to read important literature, and to be exposed to new ideas and points of view different from their own. Opposed to such efforts to shield people from ideas or to shut down voices, intellectual freedom holds that the open and civil debate of a free society depends upon a well-informed citizenry with the freedom to read freely.

The Whole Earth Library will once again join libraries throughout the country in Banned Books Week which runs from September 25 until October 2. Look for the return of our interactive, appropriate technology Banned Books display on the outside of the library wall where everyone will be encouraged to write quotes from their favorite banned and challenged books or to just share their thoughts about intellectual freedom in other creative ways. In addition, due to popular demand, our second annual celebration expands this year in a few ways:

• We are sponsoring an essay contest for our neighbors at The Bay School of San Francisco, a private coeducational college preparatory high school just down the street in the Presidio. Students will be asked to write on the subject of intellectual freedom and a sustainable future.The winner will be announced October 1.

• On October 1, there will be a Read-Out! in the hallway in front of the library. That afternoon, from noon to 2:00 pm, come and read aloud a passage from a banned or challenged book. Or sing a banned song. Or act part of banned play. We can be flexible. Refreshments will be provided. If you would like to sign-up for a specific time slot in which to read, please email the library at library@thoreau.org

If you would like to learn more and discover what books have been banned or challenged in the United States, visit the American Library Association's lists of Frequently Challenged Books. 2008's most challenged book, And Tango Makes Three, is no longer at the top of the list for 2009, but you might be surprised by some of the books that have returned to the list. Regardless, you will find lots of inspirational reading ideas.

Banned Books Week is sponsored by the American Booksellers Association; American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression; the American Library Association; American Society of Journalists and Authors; Association of American Publishers; and the National Association of College Stores. It is endorsed by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.