The American Library Association (ALA) is celebrating the 26th anniversary of Banned Books Week. This week celebrates banned, as well as, challenged books. Banned books have been removed an unavailable to read, at some point in time. Challenged books weren't removed, however, an attempt to remove the material has been made. Banning or challenging may be due to sexual content, inappropriateness for age group, or offensive language -to name a few.
For more information on banned and challenged books go to ALA's website:http://www.ala.org/ala/oif/bannedbooksweek/bannedbooksweek.htm#booksandauthors
You will find lists such as the 100 Most Challenged Books or the top ten books for certain years. You may be surprised to find you've read several of the books listed or seen the movie based on the book. I was certainly surprised to see several of favorite books I've read listed.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
I don't agree with colleges banning books from their students as if we are in elementary school. As an insitution of higher learning students should be given the tools and opportunites to broaden their horizons and ideas without being offensive or deragatory. A variety of literature and lecture classes can help increase tolerance and self awareness. In my opinion all higher learning institutions take part in forming an individuals mind for the job market, which is full of people from different walks of life. So why not let students explore different authors and publications. Our minds are too young to be made up!
You're right. Our exhibits are simply to point out that censorship is contrary to intellectual freedom. Our policies, as evidenced by some of the titles we own that are on the 'banned books list,' lead us to offer multiple viewpoints for our students and faculty.
Debbie Grimes, Director of Library Services
Post a Comment