The Bishop Dunne Library is taking this week to recognize everyone’s freedom to read and to highlight the dangers of censorship. Your library is always fighting to protect your First Amendment rights.

 

 

Every year, the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom issues a report on the books that have been challenged or banned during the previous year. The OIF collects data from libraries around the country about challenges and attempts at censorship that they have faced. Their website explains,

Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, 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 — in shared support of the freedom to seek and express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.

The ALA held their BBW in September, but Bishop Dunne Library takes note of these important values during the next two weeks. Come see the displays and pick up a report of the most challenged books of the last few years.

 

 

For information about this past year’s most challenged books, see this video. And here are the top 11 most challenged books of 2018.

 

 

Schools and school libraries are in a unique position to offer young people access to a wide range of information and to teach them how to navigate a world of competing ideas. Having the opportunity to explore all types of information in a safe environment, and the freedom to discuss those ideas with peers, teachers, and parents who care about them, is the best way to ensure that young people will learn to make good decisions throughout their lives.

 

 

Celebrate your freedom to read! Come check out a book from the Bishop Dunne Library!