Banned Books: Celebrate the Freedom to Read

Banned Books Week, supported by the American Library Association, is a week that celebrates the freedom to read and raises awareness about the countless books being removed from libraries, schools, and online communities through censorship. Champlain’s library, the Miller Information Commons, put together a display of the many popular and beloved books that have made it onto the banned books list.

Books are banned across the country based on the objections of certain groups to the religious, legal, political, and moral topics they contain. Anyone in the public can submit a claim for a book to be added to the banned books list based on their personal opinion, political viewpoint, or religious and moral beliefs. People often challenge books they think are unsuitable for young people. Once a book is banned, it is either removed from or censored in libraries and schools. Books have been banned and continue to be banned across the country in an attempt to censor certain materials.

Champlain’s Miller Information Commons features many books you will be shocked to learn are banned, including Thirteen Reasons Why, The Hunger Games, Paper Towns, and The Outsiders. Each book features a card explaining when and why it was banned from schools.

While books continue to be challenged, it’s important to call attention to the books that are being censored. Thanks to the efforts of librarians, teachers, students, and community members who stand up and speak out for the freedom to read, a majority of the books remain available to the public.

In addition to the Miller Information Commons display, the Fletcher Free Library, located just a short distance from campus, is holding an event on Wednesday, September 30 at 3:15 PM, featuring author and Professor of Professional Writing Tanya Lee Stone. Stop by to learn more about banned books and listen to her reading!

In addition to talking with the community about banned books, Tanya Lee Stone’s novel, A Bad Boy Can Be Good For A Girl, has been on the list of banned books since 2013. It’s number 44!

Interested in learning more about Champlain’s Miller Information Commons? Check out our website!