Banned Books Week 2018 is September 23-29. It brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.
The books featured during Banned Books Week have all been targeted with removal or restricted in libraries and schools. By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship.
For many of us, we can find at least one of our beloved favorites has made the infamous list : For me, it is To Kill a Mockingbird. To see if any of your favorite books have made the banned or challenged list, visit http://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks where you can view the lists by year or decade. Here is an example of just one book that was banned for a completely ridiculous reason:
Little Red Riding Hood, by Brothers Grimm
Why: In the 1987 version, which was adapted from the original fairy tale, Little Red Riding Hood was shown carrying a bottle of wine in her basket. But, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, we ask you this: What’s honestly the most disturbing thing about Little Red Riding Hood? Is it the fact that there’s a sentient wolf in her grandma’s pajamas? The fact that said wolf probably mauled said grandma to death? Oh, it’s the WINE? Really? Not the fact that the Brothers Grimm were always setting up scenarios where children might get eaten? Ok, as long as you’re sure. Glad everyone has their priorities straight.
To see other books banned for completely ridiculous reasons, visit: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/11-books-that-were-banned-for-completely-ridiculous-reasons/
Come visit the library this week! Get your mug shot picture taken with one of our banned books on display and you will be entered into one of our prize drawings. Are you brave enough to read a banned book with us?
