Banned Books Week

By Josiah Stewart
Critic Staff

The Lyndon State College library and book store both observe the week that celebrates challenged books.

Lyndon State College is observing Banned Books Week once again this semester from September 27 through October 4.

“I think that every library participates to some extent,” Pat Webster, an LSC library cataloger said. Banned Books Week is an annual event held by the ALA (American Library Association). The ALA has held this event annually since 1982.

“Every year we keep trying to expand our displays and publicity because the subject is of great interest to a lot of people,” Webster said. The LSC library display is set up in front of the circulation and reference desk.

“The display is of books that have been challenged, questioned, and some that have actually been banned over the years,” Webster said. “Our right to read what we choose is something we should all recognize and appreciate.”

The LSC bookstore is also honoring Banned Books Week, and has its own display setup. Susan Millar-Williams, an LSC bookstore clerk, was willing to share some of her thoughts on the subject, “Closing a mind narrows horizons and instead of opening a discussion, some parents will willfully shield their children from exploring different topics,” Millar-Williams said.

Many of the books on display in the library and bookstore here at LSC are not banned but have simply been challenged. A challenged book is a book that someone, usually a parent, has requested be removed from teaching curricula or libraries where their children are involved.

“Some parents’ shunning of certain books is born of ignorance and fear,” Millar-Williams said. “Banned Books Week is a time for us as adults and Americans to celebrate our freedom of expression.”

Many different types of literature have been challenged over the years including children’s books such as J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, which was challenged because of its supposed teaching of witchcraft.

The reasons for challenging a book range from “offensive” language, to “inappropriate” sexual content.

“As librarians, our work involves the free exchange of information and ideas,” Webster said, “and that’s why the thought of someone creating restrictions that would curb or stop that exchange goes against our grain.”

Some of the most frequently challenged books of 2007 were: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain, The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier, and TTYL, by Lauren Myracle. These books were challenged for a variety of reasons ranging from racism to sexual content and violence.