Tag: Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week Illustrated

Sometimes a picture can save more than a thousand words. As we mark Banned Books Week, an image serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our freedom to read. In this case a photograph of the parking garage of the Kansas City Public Library in Missouri.The books featured on this facade were chosen by citizens, who voted for their favorite titles. Interesting, most of the winners have something else in common: they were challenged by would-be censors, who requested that the books be removed from school and/or public libraries. For example Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird remains...

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Books Banned, Author Imprisoned

The human rights organization, Amnesty International, marks Banned Books Week (September 26- October 3, 2009) by reminding us that in some parts of the world, the price for freedom of expression is the loss of personal freedom. Librarians generally note the week with displays of books targeted for removal from school and public libraries by would-be censors. While this is a serious matter, it in no way compares to the restrictions placed on controversial books and authors worldwide.Amnesty International's website highlights the cases of writers, journalists, and documentarians who have literally risked their lives in theattempt to uphold civil liberties....

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