ABFFE Kicks Off Banned Books Week Campaign

This week, the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression (ABFFE) launched a campaign to encourage booksellers to participate in Banned Books Week, which will be held this year from September 24 - October 1. The centerpiece of the campaign is the ABFFE Banned Books Week Handbook Online, which includes lists of banned books and books about free expression; downloadable images and posters; display, event, and fundraising ideas; a list of websites offering Banned Book Week information; and a number of other valuable resources. The handbook is accessible through the ABFFE website, www.abffe.com.

"Banned Books Week is the only national celebration of the freedom to read, and its success depends on the efforts of bookstores and libraries," said ABFFE's program director, Caitlin Delohery. "The ABFFE Banned Books Week Handbook provides great ideas on how bookstores can raise awareness about the importance of protecting free speech."

Delohery noted that many booksellers who participated in past Banned Books Week celebrations have reported that customers responded strongly to their Banned Books Week displays -- expressing surprise when they learn of the hundreds of book challenges every year and gratitude to booksellers for their strong defense of free speech.

As part of the Banned Books Week campaign, ABFFE is offering a discount on T-shirts, buttons, and stickers incorporating its popular FREADOM logo. The T-shirts are available in two new colors -- pink and green. Orders can be placed using a downloadable Banned Books Week order form or by calling ABFFE at (212) 587-4025.

ABFFE is also inviting booksellers to take advantage of a special 50 percent discount on membership if they join before the end of Banned Books Week. Member benefits include the ABFFE Update, a monthly e-mail newsletter, a FREADOM pin, the handbook Censorship and First Amendment Rights, and other free speech resources. A membership form is available on the ABFFE website.

Launched in 1982, Banned Books Week is sponsored by ABFFE, the American Library Association, the Association of American Publishers, and the National Association of College Stores. Banned Books Week is also endorsed by the Library of Congress' Center for the Book.

(To help booksellers prepare for Banned Books Week, this week BTW also includes a preview of the Book Sense Banned Books Top Ten.)