Banned Books Week

September 27 - October 3 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 young adult literature. Events planned over the next several days include a a lunch time Read-Out, a discussion of young adult literature and why it is frequently challenged or banned, a literature display in the Library, and an introduction to a year-long program focusing on subversive literature.

Banned Books Week events are sponsored by the Center for Diversity and Inclusion, Johnston Center for Integrative Studies, and Armacost Library. Special thanks (in advance) go to Leela MadhavaRau, M.G. Maloney, Heather King, Zack Ritter, Sigma Tau Delta, and the students of the Harry Potter and the Widely Applicable Skill-Set first-year seminar.

Banned Books Display
When: All week
Where: Library entrance, 2nd floor
The Armacost Library will highlight banned and challenged literature available in its collection.

Hunsaker Read Out
When: Tuesday, September 29, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: Outside the Irvine Commons
Brave members of the community will read from their favorite banned or challenged book. Stop and listen for a spell, or join in the freedom to read. Banned and challenged books will be available for perusal.

Subversive Verses & Courageous Conversations
When: Wednesday, September 30, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Larsen 126 
Leela MadhavaRau, Associate Dean, and Zack Ritter, Associate Director, of Campus Diversity and Inclusion, will introduce a year-long program of subversive literature and films that have been challenged or banned. These fine works will lead us as a community to engage in courageous conversations.

Why YA?
When: Thursday, October 1, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Orton Center
Join Heather King, Professor of English, and M. G. Maloney, Assistant Director of the Johnston Center for Integrative Studies, in a discussion of young adult literature to consider why it is frequently challenged and banned.