Banned Books Week

September 21-27 is Banned Books Week, a time in which we can celebrate our freedom to read and explore diverse ideas. This year Banned Books Week focuses on challenges to graphic novels and comic books. Events planned over the next several days include a talk on censorship, a lunch time Read-Out, a discussion of Alison Bechdel's graphic novel and memoir, Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic, and a comic book swap. 

Banned Books Week events are sponsored by The Johnston Center, Center for Diversity and Inclusion, Armacost Library and assistance from the Art Department. Special thanks go to Leela MadhavaRau, M.G. Maloney, Daniel Kiefer, the students of Portraying Our Diverse Identities first-year seminar, and Tim Seiber. 

Schedule of Events:

Banned Books Display
All week
Location: Library entrance, 2nd floor
Drop by the Armacost Library to view banned and challenged comics and graphic novels.

Censorship On and Off the Page

Monday, September 22, 3:00 p.m.

Location: Holt Lobby

Obscene words on television, cultural knowledge about healing, and evolution in contemporary textbooks. A talk led by Tim Seiber. 

Banned Books Read-Out

Wednesday, September 24, noon

Location: Outside the plaza 

Stop by and listen or read from your favorite banned or challenged book. Led by the Associate Dean for Campus Diversity and Inclusion, Leela MadhavaRau.

Too Graphic

Wednesday, September 24, 7:00 p.m.

Location: Armacost Library Conference Room, 3rd floor of the Library

The illustrated memoir, Fun Home, by Alison Bechdel was challenged by the South Carolina Legislature. A discussion led by Daniel Kiefer and Portraying Our Diverse Identities first-year seminar students.

Comic Book Swap

Friday, September 26, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Location: Bekins Lawn

Bring your old comic books, graphic novels, and zines to share, trade, or display. P.S. Bring your own cape.