Get Ready to Read A Banned Book

This year Banned Books Week runs from September 27th to October 4th.

From the Banned Books Week Web site:

Banned Books Week is the only national celebration of the freedom to read. It was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. More than a thousand books have been challenged since 1982. The challenges have occurred in every state and in hundreds of communities. People challenge books that they say are too sexual or too violent. They object to profanity and slang, and protest against offensive portrayals of racial or religious groups -- or positive portrayals of homosexuals. Their targets range from books that explore the latest problems to classic and beloved works of American literature.

And just in case you think things are getting better, think again: the American Library Association reports that over 400 books were challenged just last year.

So get ready now. We’ll remind you closer to the day but, meanwhile, make plans to read a banned book. Or three.