Thursday, September 27, 2007

Got Banned Books?

Intellectual freedom includes the right to freely choose what to read. Libraries are all about offering a wide range of reading materials that appeal to a diverse population of readers. So, how do you feel when someone removes or attempts to remove a book from the library's shelves because he/she believes that it is not suitable for anyone? Well, the American Library Association's motto is "Free People Read Freely," and due to the efforts of librarians, teachers, parents, students, and others who are committed to the freedom to choose, most "challenged" books remain on the shelves and in the curriculums.

Banned Books Week is Sept. 29-Oct. 6. During this week, take a few moments to learn why books are challenged or banned, and reflect on the meaning of censorship and the freedom to choose.

Check out the website for the ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom where you will be amazed at the history of banned books. Here is ALA's list of the ten most challenged authors from 1990-2004:

1. Alvin Schwartz
2. Judy Blume
3. Robert Cormier
4. J.K. Rowling
5. Michael Willhoite
6. Katherine Paterson
7. Stephen King
8. Maya Angelou
9. R.L. Stine
10. John Steinbeck


How many of these authors have you read?

And you might be surprised at some of the titles on this list:
The 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 1990-2000

So guard your freedom to read like the precious gem that it is.

Read a banned book today!

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