The Banned Books Week annual celebration of our freedom to read began on Saturday. This event is observed during the last week of September each year. BBW is jointly sponsored by the the American Booksellers Association, American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, American Library Association, American Society of Journalists and Authors, Association of American Publishers, National Association of College Stores, and is endorsed by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. Lots of heavy hitters in the line-up so yeah, it's a big deal.
Each year, ALA compiles a list of books which were challenged, but not necessarily banned, in libraries. If you want more information about what books have been the most challenged in the past year and in the last hundred years, visit this ALA Web Page and research for yourself.Why not call it "Challenged Book Week?" I'll quote ALA:
Each year, the American Library Association (ALA) is asked why the week is called “Banned Books Week” instead of “Challenged Books Week,” since the majority of the books featured during the week are not banned, but “merely” challenged. There are two reasons. One, ALA does not “own” the name Banned Books Week, but is just one of several cosponsors of BBW; therefore, ALA cannot change the name without all the cosponsors agreeing to a change. Two, none want to do so, primarily because a challenge is an attempt to ban or
restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A successful challenge would result in materials being banned or restricted.This is why booksellers, libraries and publishers, and yes, writers, make such a BIG deal about this week every year. We want to make sure books are available for each individual to read and review for themselves. Some books which I find to be pure crap others find to be pearls of wisdom, etc.
This week is important to me on two levels: because I'm a librarian AND a writer. Not only that, but I write erotic romance and if anything has been subject to censorship over the years, it's been sexuality. Now, I am not about to give my books to anyone under the age of 18 to read, that's not my point. My point is that it is up to the individual - or if an individual is under 18 it is up to the parent - what they read. No one should tell me I can't read a certain book and a parent should only decide for his/her own children not for other people's children. Bear in mind, I am speaking from the perspective of a librarian working in a public library. The rules are different for school libraries, because those librarians stand in loco parentis so their responsibilities are different than mine.
I've included pictures of the banned books display I put together for my library this year. I received a bird cage on loan and I caged some books. The slogan I created for this display was: "No matter how attractive or comfortable it is, a cage is STILL a cage. Uncage your mind. Read Banned Books." Many people are surprised when they discover the Holy Bible has been challenged in libraries but it has. Even the Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary has been challenged.
