By Matt Adkins
The Ekstrom Library is currently hosting its annual Banned Books Week, which will continue through Fri., Sept. 29, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the front and back entrances of the library. The event is to promote the freedom to read.
University of Louisville students, as well as other volunteers, have the chance to read their favorite banned book from the American Library Association’s “Top 100 List of Challenged Books.” Each person who participates will be able to read aloud for approximately fifteen minutes.
The event is not new to U of L, and, according to Reference Librarian Latisha Reynolds, doesn’t seem to disappoint, “We have been doing the read-in here for about five years. Each year it gets a little bigger and better,” said Reynolds. www
Some of the books appearing throughout the week include “Beloved” by Toni Morrison, the “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling, “Flowers for Algernon” by Daniel Keyes, “Scary Stories” series by Alvin Schwarts, and “Forever” by Judy Blume. Facilitated discussions and exhibits will also be available for students and staff to participate in.
The American Library Association has been putting this event on since 1982. “The ALA compiles a yearly list of the most frequently challenged books,” said Reynolds. During the week of the event the libraries use the list to give students, faculty and staff members a chance to read their favorite “challenged” or banned books. “They also provide additional supporting materials for libraries that want to hold readings and other events,” said Reynolds. This week the publication years of the books range from 1990 to 2000.
Even though this event is sponsoring banned books, to some students, the idea is great. “In my opinion, that would be a great opportunity for students to express themselves. Freedom of reading does not have to stop at the library’s doors. Every book should be available to each person. That is what makes our society diverse because we have different opinions,” said Dmitry Serov, a sophomore finance major, adding, “I consider this to be a very good idea to allow students to read something different from what the library offers.”
Matt Wolf, a sophomore sports administration major, also agrees on this event taking place. “I think this event helps show students what kinds of books are out there and gives them a chance to read books that are usually unavailable.”
Despite the fact that over the past few years this event has been on campus, Reynolds feels as if some people do not really understand the meaning behind the whole event. “Each year that we do this, I’m always amazed at how many people ask why we’re trying to ban books, when actually it’s just the opposite. We are celebrating the rights of individuals to freely choose the books they want to read, and the freedom of authors to express themselves through their writings,” said Reynolds.
