The campaign, known as Banned Books Week, is celebrated from September 24 to October 31. The purpose of this initiative is to highlight the importance of free and open access to information, and to celebrate the freedom to read. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by libraries and booksellers when certain books are banned or challenged. It also seeks to educate the public about the reasons behind these challenges, which often stem from controversial content, offensive language, or themes that some individuals or groups find objectionable. Banned Books Week serves as a reminder of the fundamental right to read and the importance of intellectual freedom.
Bonagura, who has written extensively on the topic, believes that such exposure can lead to confusion and harm. He argues that parents should have the right to decide what their children read, and that schools should respect this choice. Bonagura also points out that the issue is not just about sexual content, but also about the values and messages that books can convey. He cites examples of books that promote gender stereotypes, racism, or other harmful ideologies. He believes that these books can have a negative impact on children’s development and worldview.
“We need to encourage our children to dream big and aspire to greatness.” Richards emphasizes the importance of nurturing a love for learning and exploration in young minds. She believes that by exposing children to a wide range of subjects and experiences, we can inspire them to reach their full potential. Richards argues that books should not only entertain but also challenge and stimulate young readers. She advocates for literature that fosters critical thinking, empathy, and a sense of wonder. Richards highlights the role of educators and parents in guiding children towards meaningful and enriching reading experiences.
Catholic school libraries are not just repositories of books; they are integral to the mission of Catholic education, which aims to form students in sanctity for salvation. This unique role is highlighted by two Catholic educators who emphasize the importance of these libraries in the educational journey of Catholic students.
In the Literature, Library, and Media Guide for Catholic Educators, co-authors Mary Ann Cazzoli and Mary Ellen Lemmon emphasize the importance of selecting literature that upholds the dignity of the human person. They caution against works that may lead to negative emotions such as shame or despair, advocating for a curriculum that fosters a positive and respectful understanding of humanity. The guide, published by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), serves as a comprehensive resource for educators seeking to align their teaching materials with Catholic values.
“We need to be able to say, ‘Here’s what we believe, and here’s why we believe it.’” Catholic educators must navigate a complex landscape of religious, cultural, and societal influences. They are tasked with imparting the faith while also respecting the diverse backgrounds and beliefs of their students.
The book report includes a description of the book, a list of reasons why the book is inappropriate, and a list of alternative books that are more suitable for young readers. The book report is designed to be a tool for parents to communicate with their children’s schools about the content of the books being taught.
The organization highlighted that these removals often targeted books with LGBTQ+ themes, books by authors of color, and books that discuss race and racism. The report also pointed out that these removals were not isolated incidents but part of a broader trend of censorship in schools. PEN America’s report underscores the importance of diverse literature in fostering empathy, understanding, and inclusivity among students.
It’s Banned Books Week—a time to celebrate the freedom to read. Our Book Sanctuary Collection represents books that have been challenged, censored or removed from a public library or school in North America. Explore the collection: https://t.co/uV4AyxZ7vG pic.twitter.com/hLOXfjPw0n — Innisfil ideaLAB & Library (@InnisfilideaLAB) September 22, 2024 Filmmaker Ava DuVernay, the 2024 Banned Books Week honorary chair, said that Banned Books Week is “vitally important.” “By banning books, we deny ourselves the opportunity to learn from the past and to envision a braver future. Books have the power to open minds and build bridges,” she said. “This is why certain forces do not want the masses to engage with books. They fear progress and growth in new, bold directions.”
The American Library Association (ALA) reports a rise in book bans, with a significant increase in 2021. The ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) tracks these bans, which often target books with LGBTQ+ themes, racial issues, and discussions of sexuality.
The bookstore, which is part of the chain, has a policy of not selling books that have been challenged or banned. The bookstore’s stance is rooted in the belief that censorship is detrimental to intellectual freedom and the exchange of ideas.
