What does freedom mean to you? To step into a library and discover a book that tells your story or tells someone else’s story is priceless. At East Lansing Public Library, we’re celebrating Freedom to Read Week, and we want everyone to find something on our shelves that speaks to them. The freedom to read doesn’t mean everything in the library will interest you, but it is important to remember the library collection is for everyone.
ELPL is celebrating Freedom to Read Week from September 22-28! This week, also known as Banned Books Week, was created by the American Library Association (ALA) to “draw national attention to the harms of censorship” (ALA, Banned Book Week). Censorship attacks free speech and the free exchange of ideas. To combat the rise of censorship, we're highlighting the importance of intellectual freedom and personal choice.
2023 reached the highest levels ever documented for banned books, according to the Office of Intellectual Freedom. 4,240 unique books were targeted for removal from schools and libraries. (ALA, Censorship by the Numbers) Of these, titles representing the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals made up 47% of those targeted in censorship attempts. (ALA, Banned Book Week). The number of titles targeted for censorship at public libraries increased by 92% over the previous year, accounting for about 46% of all book challenges in 2023. (ALA, Book Ban Data)
In honor of Freedom to Read Week, the library is hosting an “Intellectual Freedom at the Theatre” event on September 21, from 3-5pm. There will be a special performance of selected scenes from the MSU Theatre production of “Inherit the Wind”, followed by a discussion about intellectual freedom in the arts.
We're also hosting a screening of "Banned Together" at 3pm on Saturday, September 28. This documentary follows student activists who have fought against book bans in their community.
During this week, the library will also display various books that have been challenged or banned. Explore ALA's Top 10 of 2023 list, check out a book from our "Celebrate Your Freedom to Read" list featuring some of the most challenged books throughout history (corresponding display found by the library's circulation desk!), or borrow a book from our "Free People Read Freely" display in the children’s room!
Library visitors are encouraged to make their own decisions about what to read, engage critically with materials deemed controversial, and form their own opinions about the works free from censorship.
This year, the ELPL Board of Trustees and the East Lansing City Council have both passed resolutions officially recognizing Freedom to Read week and its importance for the community.
“Free people read freely! The freedom to read is vital for a thriving, democratic society. ELPL asks that you join us in celebrating the freedom to read, by visiting the library and checking out one of the many books that have been challenged in the past year, more than any year in history!” said Library Director Kevin King. “Many thanks to the ELPL Board of Trustees and the East Lansing City Council for officially affirming the community’s freedom to read in their August meetings.”
Freedom to Read Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. The annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community — librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas.
Typically (but not always) held during the last week of September, Freedom to Read Week comes at the tail end of Library Card Sign-Up Month, which spans September. To celebrate this year, library visitors can enjoy free giveaways when they renew, sign up for, or show their library card at the library’s front desk. ELPL has also partnered with several local businesses to offer discounts when customers show their ELPL card at check-out. Learn more about this initiative on the library’s blog.
Keep reading, thinking and speaking up! Support your local library and the freedom to read!
Sources:
American Library Association (ALA). “Banned Books Week.” About Banned & Challenged Books. https://www.ala.org/bbooks/banned. Accessed September 16, 2024.
American Library Association (ALA). “Book Ban Data.” About Banned & Challenged Books. https://www.ala.org//bbooks/book-ban-data. Accessed September 16, 2024.
American Library Association (ALA). “Censorship by the Numbers.” Banned Books. https://www.ala.org/bbooks/censorship-numbers. Accessed September 16, 2024.
Add a comment to: Celebrate Freedom to Read Week!