In light of this special time of year, I decided to do a blog on banned books! Below is some general information about this years Banned Books Week from the American Library Associations. MORE TO COME SOON!
Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read September 27–October 4, 2008
Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read is observed during the last week of September each year. Observed since 1982, this annual ALA event reminds Americans not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted. This year, 2008, marks BBW's 27th anniversary (September 27 through October 4).
BBW celebrates the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one’s opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them. After all, intellectual freedom can exist only where these two essential conditions are met.
BBW is sponsored by the American Booksellers Association, American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, American Library Association, American Society of Journalists and Authors, Association of American Publishers, National Association of College Stores, and is endorsed by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.
"Banned Books Week," American Library Association, July 29, 2008. http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/oif/bannedbooksweek/bannedbooksweek.cf
(Accessed September 30, 2008)
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
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3 comments:
Thanks so much for making us aware of this very important week!! We all carry the responsibility to advocate for banned and challenged literature, and banned books week is a great time to get the community involved!
-Jen
I'm glad that there is a banned books week. I think it really brings to light an issue that has plagued our society for years. I understand people's fears and reasons for wanting a book banned, but we as educators must teach our students how to read and understand what point of view is as well as distinguish between objective and subjective. Just because a student reads about a certain character, does not mean that student will take on the persona of that character. How can we expect our children to become better citizens and people if they are not exposed to different cultures, societies, and taught to distinguish between wrong and right.
Izzy,
I like your comment about expecting our children to deside between wrong and right. I always thought this when commercials on television would advertise the special parental blocking feature on their cable/satellite boxes. The teenager could go to another friend's house and view the shows if he or she pleases! We can't simply block books or shows, we have to EDUCATE students about ethics and morals as parents or educators to help them make good CHOICES.
Jessica
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