In recognition of Banned Books Week, River Bookshop is hosting a Banned Books panel discussion on Thursday, October 5th, at 6:30PM, in the Hole in the Wall event space above River Bookshop, 67 Richmond St, Amherstburg, ON.
Featuring:
- Adam Craig, Chief Librarian, Essex County Library
- Vicki Houston, Director, Greater Essex County District School Board
- Dr Selinda Berg, Librarian, University of Windsor
- Video contribution from Vickery Bowles, City Librarian, Toronto Public Library
Come and join us for a lively discussion about the increasingly prevalent practice of banning books, why it matters, and what can be done about it.
This event is completely free to attend, but requires registration on Eventbrite. To register to watch on Zoom, please email info@riverbookshop.com instead, to be added to our virtual list.
The Loutit District is celebrating Banned Books “Week” for the entire month of October! We have a wonderful interactive educational display for patrons to learn more about book challenges and bans. In addition to our display, book recommendations, and Banned Book programming, we are also hosting a Beanstack reading challenge to get patrons involved! There will be two randomly drawn winners of a Banned Books prize pack from those who complete the challenge.
Banned Books Week is an annual event that celebrates open access to books in our schools, libraries, and communities. This is Redux Society’s first year participating, and we have a full week of Book Bingo, Book Discussions, and more! As an LGBT+, BIPOC, and Woman-owned bookstore, it is more important than ever to raise these books into view.
Banned books display at Rumford Public Library (via Twitter user Katje Fae @katjefae)
A group of pastors in Rumford, Maine are attempting to have LGBTQ books banned from the Rumford Public Library’s display of banned books. The library is holding a board meeting today, where the controversy will be discussed. The National Coalition Against Censorship and Comic Book Legal Defense Fund support Rumford Public Library’s display and freedom to choose how best to serve their community. NCAC and CBLDF oppose efforts to limit a whole community’s access to books based on the personal viewpoints or religious beliefs of some groups or individuals in that community. As public institutions, libraries are obligated not to discriminate on the basis of viewpoint or sexual orientation.
The display coincides with Banned Books Week, an annual celebration of the freedom to read, highlighting books that often draw challenges in schools and libraries. Half of the books on this year’s American Library Association Top 10 Banned Books list tell stories of LGBTQ characters. Books representing a wide variety of experiences and voices allow readers, particularly children, to find connection, safely explore unfamiliar ideas, and broaden their understanding of the world.
This article was originally posted by the National Coalition Against Censorship. The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has posted additional information and a statement from Executive Director Charles Brownstein here.
