Press Releases
Letter to the Editor for Banned Books Week
Read a Banned Book
The right to read whatever we choose without censorship is one of the most basic freedoms in a democratic society. Libraries in Central New York celebrate that freedom during Banned Books Week, Sept. 26 – Oct. 4. Since its inception in 1982, Banned Books Week has reminded us that while not every book is intended for every reader, each of us has the right to decide for ourselves what to read, listen to or view.
In the past 20 years, the American Library Association (ALA) has recorded more than 10,000 book challenges. A challenge is a formal, written complaint requesting a book be removed from library shelves or school curriculum. ALA estimates that less than one quarter of challenges are reported and recorded.
Challenges are not simply an expression of a point of view; on the contrary, they are an attempt to remove materials from public use, thereby restricting the access of others. Even if the motivation to ban or challenge a book is well intentioned, the outcome is detrimental. Censorship denies our freedom as individuals to choose and think for ourselves. For children, decisions about what books to read should be made by the people who know them best—their parents!
It is thanks to the commitment of librarians, teachers, parents, and students that challenged reading materials, from standards such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, to current books such as the Harry Potter series, remain available on library shelves.
In support of the right to choose books freely for ourselves, the Onondaga County Public Library is sponsoring its annual Read-A-Thon at the Central Library from 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 30. A reception featuring author Sonya Sones will follow at 5:30 p.m. in the library’s Curtin Auditorium. Sones will give a keynote address at 6 p.m., followed by a book signing, music and refreshments. Her book “What My Mother Doesn’t Know” was included on ALA’s list of the Top Ten Most Challenged Books in 2004 and 2005.
American libraries are the cornerstones of our democracy. Libraries are for everyone, everywhere. Because libraries provide free access to a world of information, they bring opportunity to all people. Now, more than ever, celebrate the freedom to read at your library. Read an old favorite or a new banned book this week. Some suggestions are on the library’s Web site, www.onlib.org.
Submitted,
Elizabeth J. Dailey
Onondaga County Public Library
Executive Director
Phone: 435-1800
Last updated: October 14, 2009