Banned Books Week is a unique method that promotes the freedom of reading and sheds light on previous attempts to restrict access to some books in libraries and schools. Here’s everything you need to know about Banned Books Week.
Banned Books Week is a week dedicated to celebrating the freedom to read. This is the week that shows the world how there were several ways in which books in schools and libraries were censored. However, Banned Books Week acts as a glimmer of hope that encourages free reading and has brought together writers, readers, journalists, publishers and bookstores of all kinds under one roof in an effort to support free reading and writing. As the name suggests, the books featured during Banned Books Week are all those that have been subject to restrictions or removal from schools and libraries. Banned Books Week shines a light on attempts across the country to limit free reading and writing, highlighting to the nation the dangers of censorship.
The state of censorship
There is great political polarization in the country, which leads to a large number of books being banned and not reaching readers’ desks. In 2022, ALA’s Office of Intellectual Freedom recorded a total of 1,269 requests for censorship of sources and library books. This was marked as the largest number of attempts to ban books since the ALA collected data on library censorship. For 2021, that number was 729. When you look at the book titles, most of those books are based on or about people who belong to the LGBTQIA+ community, or about the black community or people of color.
When does Banned Books Week start?
Banned Books Week begins on October 1 and ends on October 7, 2023.
Banned Books Week – Theme for 2023
The theme of Banned Books Week 2023 is “Let Freedom Read”. The topic talks about the importance of free reading. When books are banned, diligent readers who want to read or perhaps need to read certain books are denied the opportunity to explore certain people, places, and perspectives through books. However, when attempts are made to encourage the unabashed expression of stories and books, we empower free reading and highlight the power embedded in every book regardless of subject. Through Banned Books Week, none of the many unheard voices are freed and gain the power that was once limited by censorship. All voices deserve to be heard and listened to. Through the Week of Banned Books, Let Freedom Read!
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: newstars.edu.vn