The Dulaney-Browne Library will feature displays from students in professor Willner’s Children’s Literature class. The displays focus on the most commonly banned books and why readers have issues with them.
The American Library Association’s 31st Annual Banned Books Week celebrates the thousands of books subjected to censorship at libraries and bookstores throughout the country.
“Anybody can participate just by reading a book that has been banned and seeing what the fuss is all about,” said Dr. Kristen Burkholder, access services librarian.
Classic novels such as “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Fahrenheit 451” fill the lists of banned books.
Young adult literature receives the most opposition.
“People get very bent out of shape at the thought that their kids or some other kids might possibly have access to something that they don’t approve of,” said Burkholder.
Books are most commonly banned due to political statements, religious beliefs and sexual themes.
Music business junior Andrew Foster thinks Banned Books Week will generate awareness about censorship
“It’s still going on. That’s the thing that bothers me the most. It’s not just literature,” Foster said.
According to the American Library Association’s website, over 40 books were banned or challenged in the last year.
“I profoundly believe that people knowing more information helps them understand their world better and make better decisions,” said Burkholder. “I am pretty strongly against censorship.”
To learn more about Banned Books Week, visit the displays in the Dulaney-Browne Library and visit http://www.bannedbooksweek.org.
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