Banned Books Week 2021

In collaboration with other on campus organizations and National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Armacost Library is happy to be a part of this event. Come by our Lobby and take a selfie or write down notes about your favorite banned books. Find a book on our cart and take a selfie! Don't forget to #ArmacostLibrary !!

When thinking about the countless books that have been banned and pulled from libraries around the world over time, it's difficult to understand some of the reasons as to why they were banned in the first place. Whether it be due to disgruntled parents, violence, or language, we have some of those books at the Armacost Library! 

Some of the classics today were once banned, like 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' because people had viewed Huck as a bad role model for kids and due to its offensive language and racism. 'Of Mice and Men' was banned for vulgarity, treatment of women, and racism. And 'The Color Purple' was banned for graphic sexual content, mentions of abuse, and violence. Other titles include 'The Outsiders' by S.E. Hinton, 'To Kill A Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, and even 'Harry Potter' by J.K. Rowling. 

Looking over the banned lists, according to the American Library Association, censoring what materials the public has access to has continued across the fields of education in various ways. Which is why Banned Books Week continues through the years to expose the titles that have been hidden away from the public. By celebrating the freedom to read and giving everyone an opportunity to explore without feeling restricted, we learn to build communities, social justice, and can become a more tolerant and accepting community. 

Come by the table at Hunsaker Plaza during your lunch hours to find out more about the events or get a button for yourself with our button press! Have fun and be safe in your exploration.