You May Not Read This Book! An Installation in Commemoration of Banned Books Week

On September 27th, artist and librarian, Doris Madsen created at Sixteen Acres Branch an hour long installation featuring blindfolded readers "reading" banned books of their choice. The American Library Association marks the last week of September as Banned Books Week. The freedom to read is a freedom libraries cherish and defend.

This event will be repeated on October 5, 6-7 pm at Pine Point Branch.
Doris is looking for volunteers to "read" blindfolded. Please if you are interested in participating as a "reader"contact her at dmadsen@springfieldllibrary.org or 413-263-6855.

Banned Books Week

2008 Banned Books Week is September 27 through October 4

Read more about it!

American Library Association's Banned Book Website

Facebook - Banned Books Week

MySpace - Banned Books Week

National Public Radio - "Grapes of Wrath" and the Politics of Book Burning by Lynn Neary

Song for Banned Books Week 2008 on YouTube

Volunteers are needed for Mason Library's READ OUT on October 4

Mason Library will sponsor a “read out” of Huckleberry Finn as the grand finale of it’s observance of Banned Books Week. Beginning promptly at 11:00 a.m., Saturday October 4, volunteers will meet on the library steps to read aloud from Mark Twain’s frequently banned classic. Readings will continue as long as there are volunteers who want to celebrate their right to read and speak freely. Please call Anne at the library (413-528-2403) to sign up or just show up on October 4. Copies of Huckleberry Finn will be available for readers.

Every year many books are challenged or banned across the United States, often on the grounds of religion, language, sexual content or politics. For example, the Harry Potter books have been called celebrations of witchcraft while Huckleberry Finn is frequently banned because the word “nigger” is found throughout . Upsetting as this is to contemporary Americans, Twain himself pointed out that he was accurately reflecting the pre-Civil War speech of people along the Mississippi.

Other banned books will be displayed at the Library throughout the week. For further information, call Director Anne Just at 413-528-2403.

Get Ready for 2008 BANNED BOOKS WEEK

Visit the American Library Association's website for complete information on how your community can celebrate 2008 Banned Books Week which takes place September 27 to October 4. This year's theme is Celebrating the Freedom to Read.