Banned Books Week to Kick Off September 20

Banned Books Week Posters 2003

Still Time to Order Materials

Thousands of bookstores and libraries will be celebrating the freedom to read during Banned Books Week, September 20 - 27. This year's theme is "Open Your Mind to a Banned Book."

Now in its 22nd year, the celebration has special significance as provisions of the USA Patriot Act cast a shadow on Americans' right to keep private the records of their book purchases and library withdrawals. "Celebrating Banned Books Week has never been more important," said Chris Finan, president of the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression (ABFFE), one of the sponsors of the event. "At a time when booksellers and librarians are fighting to amend the USA Patriot Act, it is critical for us to do everything we can to build support for First Amendment rights."

In addition to ABFFE, the sponsors of Banned Books Week are ABA, the American Library Association, the American Society of Journalists and Authors, the Association of American Publishers, and the National Association of College Stores. It is also endorsed by the Center for the Book of the Library of Congress.

Banned Books Week kits, including three posters and a list of books challenged over the last year (including the Harry Potter series), can be ordered from the American Library Association for $29 through ABFFE's Banned Books page, http://www.abffe.com/banned.htm. Bookstores and libraries can also order by calling ALA's Jen Hammond at (800) 545-2433, ext. 4220. Due to budget constraints, it is impossible for ABFFE to distribute the kits for free this year.

Along with the kits, this year ABFFE is offering a new line of products using the FREADOM logo that garnered rave reviews at this year's BookExpo America. Buttons, T-shirts, bumper stickers, and paper stickers are all available from ABFFE. ABFFE members receive a significant discount for all FREADOM logo products. To order, call ABFFE or order online at http://www.abffe.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv.

In 2002, over 1,000 independent booksellers and 2,500 libraries participated in Banned Books Week. Many bookstores and libraries across the nation joined in the celebration with displays and readings of books that have been banned or threatened throughout history, from the Bible to Little Red Riding Hood to Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men.

The event reminds Americans not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted, noted Judith Krug, director of ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom. "The ability to read, speak, think, and express ourselves freely are core American values," said Krug in a press statement. "We hope Banned Books Week helps to remind Americans of the importance of our freedom at a time when freedoms are being eroded in the United States. Now -- more than ever -- we must let freedom read."

Harry Potter is number one on many lists, including the list of books challenged this year around the country, the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom reported. The series drew complaints from parents and others concerned about the books' focus on wizardry and magic. Also among the ten most challenged books of 2002 are The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou.