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September 25, 2006

Banned Books Week, September 23 - 30

The week of September 23 - 29 marks the 25th anniversary of Banned Books Week, which is recognized each year by the American Library Association and by libraries of all types across the country. Banned Books Week "celebrates the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one’s opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them." (Intellectual Freedom Committee, American Library Association)

In most instances, books are challenged rather than banned. That is, someone seeks to remove them from a library's shelves or from the curriculum, thereby restricting access by others. The most common reasons for challenges are sexually explicit content, language that is deemed offensive, and the belief that material is unsuitable for the intended age group. Books may be challenged for other reasons as well; for example, the popular Harry Potter series by author J. K. Rowling has been challenged on the grounds that it promotes a positive view of witchcraft and magic. Some books are regularly challenged year after year. These include such titles as Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings", Robert Cormier's "The Chocolate War", Madeleine L'Engle's "A Wrinkle in Time", John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men", and Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn".

In 2006, the American Library Association is offering readers of all ages an opportunity to vote for their favorite banned book. To cast your ballot, go to www.ala.org/bbook and select the "Vote for Your Favorite Banned Book!" link. Additional information about banned and challenged books is available at this site as well.

Posted by basye at 8:40 AM | Permanent Link to this Post