Tales From Utah Valley: Let Freedom Read — Banned Books Week wraps up
Hakim Wright Sr., Associated Press
Books sit on shelves in an elementary school library in suburban Atlanta on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023. Although not new, book challenges have surged in public schools since 2020, part of a broader backlash to what kids read and discuss in school.“Let Freedom Read” — that was the theme for this year’s annual Banned Books Week, which just passed, taking place during the first week of October. Many libraries and bookstores around the country held special events to encourage people to, basically, read what they choose to read. Some book clubs choose to read only banned books. But some may wonder, why bring attention to banned books, and even, are books still being banned today?
According to the American Library Association, a banned book is described as a book that has been challenged, removed or restricted from libraries because of the objections of a person or group of people. Based on this, books are, in fact, still being banned.
The ALA documented 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources during 2022, the highest number of attempted book bans since ALA began compiling data more than 20 years ago, according to its website. Banned Books Week was born in the 1980s as a way to stand up for the freedom to choose what is read.
You might be surprised at some of the books that have been banned. Some literary jewels like “Harry Potter” by J.K. Rowling, “Bridge to Terabithia” by Katherine Paterson, “Snow Falling on Cedars” by David Guterson and “Angela’s Ashes” by Frank McCourt have all been banned in the past.
Some favorite books by children’s authors have been taken off of library shelves as well. Todd Parr, who uses brightly colored illustrations and fun prose to convey messages of self-acceptances, kindness and peace, and Barbara Park, author of the beloved Junie B. Jones series, which makes children realize that books are fun to read, are just two examples.
What do the books “Charlotte’s Web,” “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” “The Diary of Anne Frank” and “Where the Wild Things Are” all have in common, in addition to being popular books to read? Surprisingly, they’ve all been banned often.
It might be interesting to read through some of the justifications given for books to be challenged or banned at libraries in the United States. At www.ala.org, there are reasons listed for frequently banned books. Most often, the books seem to be challenged because of perceived offensive material. Other reasons include unsuited for age group, political viewpoint, violence and in the case of “The Holy Bible,” which was one of the top 10 most challenged books in 2015, for religious viewpoint.
Whether you choose to read a banned book or not, a library is a great place to be, and reading a book is a wonderful way to spend time. Happy reading!
