Banned Books Week 2017 - Some Celebrations and Links

It's time again for the annual Banned Books Week, a celebration of our right to choose what to read, sponsored by the American Library Association and other groups. This year's theme or emphasis is on the importance of the First Amendment. This focus was chosen due to an increase in complaints and challenges in 2016. “Our Right To Read” is "a celebration of the diverse range of ideas found in books, and our right as citizens to make our own intellectual choices." Curious what the most challenged books were last year? There's a top 10 list here.


 There are a couple of different blog hops centered around banned books week, that you can join in. One is a discussion post hop and the other is a discussion and book giveaway hop. Most years I participate in the latter but I opted to skip it this year. I decided instead to do around up post of links and articles. I am also celebrating in my own way by re-reading The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien, a book that has been challenged or banned many times over the years. Did you know that September 21st was the 80th anniversary of it's publication? The timing seemed perfect to re-read the story while reading an edition I bought several years ago but hadn't read yet. If I have time, I'll also read my brand new Kindle edition of The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, and if you haven't checked out the Hulu show based on the book, you really, really should.

For more information on Banned Books Week and supporting the freedom to read, read this article.

One option of celebrating, that's actually available all year long, is the Virtual Read-out. You create a video declaring the virtues of the freedom to read that and it will be featured on a dedicated YouTube channel. For more info, go here.

Join in the Rebel Reader Twitter Tournament! It uses social media to spread the word about banned books and whip up excitement. It looks fun too. I plan on joining in, probably post a pic of me with my Kindle edition of The Hobbit. And there are prizes! Do eeeet!!!!!!!!! :D

Like swag? Want to financially support the Banned Books Week annual celebrations? Check out the American Library Association store.

Check with your local library or bookstore to see what they are doing to celebrate. There's a partial list here but many places haven't listed their events so be to sure check locally. There's also a list of indie bookstores nationally hosting events that's worth a look.

And don't forget to leave a comment and share what you're doing. Are you buying a banned book? Reading a banned book? Participating in or running an event? How are YOU celebrating your right to read?