Sims Library Celebrates Banned Book Week
09/28/07 by: Dayne Sherman
This article discusses Banned Books Week at Sims Library.
In recognition of “Banned Book Week,” September 29 through October 6, Sims Memorial Library has created a display featuring selections from the American Library Association’s list of 100 Most Frequently Challenged Books. The display will be located in the first floor lobby area through October 8. A companion exhibit can be found in the Reference area of the Library.
ALA has designated the last week in September as “Banned Book Week” to emphasize the right for “Free People to Read Freely.” Many of these books were challenged because of sexually explicit or offensive language, violence, or unsuitability for the age group, but others have been banned because of political or philosophical views.
Although the ALA receives many entries for the Challenged Book List, very few books are banned. Popular authors like Judy Blume, John Steinbeck, Maya Angelou and others have titles on the list, but such classic authors as Mark Twain, James Joyce, D.H. Lawrence and Henrik Ibsen have had their works banned over the years. Come by and view the display and take a “banned” book home to read.