Banned Books Week
Freedom is an issue that is near and dear to me, one of which I am acutely aware in these times. Intellectual freedom, “… the right of every individual to both seek and and receive information from all points of view without restriction. It provides for free access to all expressions of ideas through which any and all sides of a question, cause, or movement may be explored. Intellectual freedom encompasses the freedom to hold, receive, and disseminate ideas” is critical in a free society.
The American Library Association says this about the week:
Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read is observed during the last week of September each year. Observed since 1982, this annual ALA event reminds Americans not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted. This year, 2008, marks BBW’s 27th anniversary (September 27 through October 4).
BBW celebrates the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one’s opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them. After all, intellectual freedom can exist only where these two essential conditions are met.
The Banned Books Week website has a host of information. The Forbidden Library: Banned and Challenged Books, has more. Knowledge is power. Educate yourself. Read.
What is on your book shelf?
