MONTGOMERY — In support of the right to choose books freely, the American Library Association and the Montgomery City-County Public Library are sponsoring Banned Books Week, an annual celebration from September 25 – October 1 of citizens’ rights to access information without censorship. This year’s observance commemorates the most basic freedom in a democratic society—the freedom to read, learn and share information—and encourages us not to take this freedom for granted.

This year, MCCPL invites you to go on a Blind Date with a Banned Book. Stop by any of their 10 locations between Sept. 25 – Oct. 1 and select a wrapped book from the Blind Date display. Participants will not know which title is selected until it’s checked out, but the label on the wrapping will provide a few clues. Many banned and challenged titles are those that are considered classics in literature, which could surprise might be surprised at what you get! Take a selfie with your Banned Book and post it to Facebook with the hashtag #BannedBooksWeek to spread the word.

Since its inception in 1982, Banned Books Week has reminded us that while not every book is intended for every reader, each of us has the right to decide for ourselves what to read, listen to or view. Montgomery City-County Public Library and thousands of libraries and bookstores across the country will celebrate the freedom to read by participating in special events, exhibits, and read-outs that showcase books that have been banned or threatened.

Since 1990, the American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) has recorded more than 10,000 book challenges. A challenge is a formal, written complaint requesting a book be removed from library shelves or school curriculum. About three out of four of all challenges are to material in schools or school libraries, and one in four is to material in public libraries. OIF estimates that less than one-quarter of challenges are reported and recorded. It is thanks to the commitment of librarians, teachers, parents, and students that most challenges are unsuccessful and books like “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” the Harry Potter series, and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” remain available.

American libraries are the cornerstones of our democracy. Libraries are for everyone, everywhere. Because libraries provide free access to a world of information, they bring opportunity to all people. Now, more than ever, celebrate the freedom to read @ your library! Read an old favorite or a new banned book this week.

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