Banned Books Week 2023 Read-aloud
Wednesday, October 5th, 5:30 pm
#BannedBooksWeek
Since the inception of Banned Books Week in 1982, libraries and bookstores throughout the country have staged local read-outs, continuous readings of banned and challenged books. This year, we will join the action by hosting a read-aloud of banned books, explaining their importance and sharing their words. Join us virtually or in-person on Thursday, October 5th at 5:30 pm downtown at the Rosenzweig Arts Center for a live read-aloud following the Banned Books art exhibit reception. You can share your reading live or submit a recorded reading.
Your words have power. Stand up to censorship and declare your literary freedoms by reading from a banned book and discussing its importance.
Read-Aloud
When: Thursday, October 5th, 4:00
Where: Rosenzweig Arts Center, or virtually via AthenaCommons
Why: To celebrate the freedom to read
How to participate: Join us to listen, choose an excerpt to read during the event, or record yourself reading and send it in. Guidelines and instructions for recording are at the top of the box.
Join us as we celebrate the freedom to read at MUW! This year Fant Library is partnering with the MUW Department of Languages, Literature, and Philosophy, the MUW Foundation, and the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library to offer a week of Banned Books programming. We hope to see you there!
Wednesday, October 4th at 4:00 pm, we will host a panel that features librarians, educators, and legal professionals who have been affected by book bans and challenges. Join us to hear from
The reception will be recorded and live-streamed. Visit athenacommons.muw.edu/bannedbooks/2023/ for the zoom link.
Pick up a Banned Books Week craft kit at the library desk anytime during Banned Books Week!
How to make a book charm
Pick out a laminated book cover
Fold down the front cover, then the back creating a spine
Use the hole punch to punch a hole in the top on the spine
Insert the string, ribbon, or earring hook in the hole before filling the book
a. For an open book with pages: Accordion fold strips of paper till you reach your desired thickness
b. For a closed book: Measure and cut a piece of foam core to the size of the front cover
Use glue to insert the book filling, secure it with a binder clip until it is dry. Trim any excess filling
Book charm bookmark (Embroidery floss)
Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores, and libraries. 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 of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.
Banned Books Week 2023 will be held October 1-7. The theme of this year’s event is “Let Freedom Read.”