Many controversies over certain books occur all over the nation and result in bans against those books.
Banned Books Week (September 21 to 27) is a week dedicated to recognition of these books.
The American Library Association (ALA) started Banned Books Week as a way to let people know what’s going on and to understand the importance of free speech.
“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,” according to their website.
The Rod Library supports this idea and is celebrating Banned Books Week by hosting events on campus.
“We would like people to learn that there is still a fight against censorship and for free speech in libraries and schools across the country,” said Anna Hollingsworth, public relations student assistant for Rod Library, “Just this week, the graphic novel Persepolis is being challenged in an Oregon school district.”
The youth department of the library has decorated the library with a display of banned titles, caution tape and a wanted sign where students can get a “mug shot” of themselves with their favorite book. These pictures have been posted to Rod Library Facebook page.
Rod is also holding a Cards Against Humanity tournament with The UNI Gamer Brigade. The first round was on Tuesday, but the tournament will continue on Thursday at 6 p.m. and Friday at 5 p.m. in the Digital Media Hub.
The Banned Book Read Out is being held at Rod on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. People will be able to read from their favorite banned book.
“Since many of our students at UNI will someday be teachers, we feel it’s particularly important that they are aware of the challenges they may face in assigning literature for their students,” said Hollingworth, “Harry Potter, Hunger Games and Captain Underpants are all very popular books that are frequently banned/challenged in schools.”
