What do these books have in common?
Censorship.
Every year, people across the U.S. “challenge” books. They want them taken out of local libraries and classrooms.
The three titles listed above were some of the most frequently challenged books in 2017.
What’s more, the American Library Association (ALA) has recorded that more than 10,000 book challenges have been made since 1990.
However, thanks to the commitment of librarians, teachers, parents, and students, most challenges don’t work.
This is national Banned Books Week, a time when we come together to celebrate our intellectual freedom to read–or not read–what we choose. Intellectual freedom is key to our American democracy and a core value at Nashville Public Library.
That’s why we’re celebrating Banned Books Week by showing more than 15 movies adapted from frequently challenged books–including The Color Purple, Forrest Gump, and the Twilight trilogy–and hosting other free events across our 21 locations.
Also, our experts are sharing banned book reviews on Instagram–look for us there at nowatnpl. As you use your free library card and choose what you will read, watch, and listen to during Banned Books Week, enjoy the experience. You have a team of librarians cheering you on.
