As one high school student noted, "Jailing books shuts out ideas" and "Free People Read Freely". I like both of those sentiments.
Here at the Homer Community Library we want you to Celebrate Your Freedom to Read!
In honor of Banned Book Week, the Homer Community Library is once again spotlighting books that are frequently challenged or banned. We are beginning our annual Banned Book reading incentive on Sept. 23rd and encouraging our patrons to read one (or many!) of the books that are found on the American Library Association's list of frequently challenged books. Every time you check out a book from this list we will add your name to a drawing for a $25 gift card. We will continue this reading incentive through the end of December.
Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Libraries and schools around the nation use this week to highlight the value of free and open access to information. This is a great opportunity for the book community to come together in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.
Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship. The books featured during Banned Books Week have all been targeted with removal or restrictions in libraries and schools. While books have been and continue to be banned, part of the Banned Books Week celebration is the fact that, in a majority of cases, the books have remained available. This happens only thanks to the efforts of librarians, teachers, students, and community members who stand up and speak out for the freedom to read. You might be surprised at what some people think should be restricted.
This year we are proud to partner with the local school district and will be displaying Banned Book posters made by Freshmen students at Heritage High School. Come on in and see some student art work and learn more about what the your local library has to offer you!
