Banned Books Week 2017: September 24 - 30

According to the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom, each year there are hundreds of attempts by individuals and groups to have books removed, or banned, from libraries and schools. Reasons for attempting to ban a book usually center around a viewpoint or situation that the challenger finds offensive, such as drug or alcohol use, sexually explicit content, profanity, witchcraft, homosexuality, violence, or alternative political viewpoints. The ALA launched Banned Books Week in 1982 to raise awareness of the issues surrounding censorship and these challenges, and to celebrate a core value of librarianship - that individuals should have the freedom to read what they wish.


Join the Cause and Become a Rebel Reader

This year, the American Library Association is inviting individuals to speak out against censorship this Banned Books Week by joining the Rebel Reader Twitter Tournament.  During Banned Books Week, join the University Library and challenge yourself to complete action items on Twitter to be entered into a drawing for fantastic literary prizes from the American Library Association.           


How to Enter the Rebel Reader Twitter Tournament

Tweet any of the following action items using the hashtag #RebelReader and tag @StoutLibrary during Banned Books Week (September 24-30) for a chance to win an array of literary prizes. 

Want to learn more about Banned Books Week and Intellectual Freedom? Check out the following resources:


Banned Books Week:

• Banned Books Week Official Site
• Frequently Challenged Books
• Top 10 Frequently Challenged Books (by year)

First Amendment Rights and Intellectual Freedom:

• Amendment I - from the National Constitution Center
• Intellectual Freedom - from the American Library Association
• Intellectual Freedom Principals for Academic Libraries - from the American Library Association