Banned Books Week is September 24-30
Each September, libraries 
across the United States recognize Banned Books Week, the annual celebration of the freedom to read. For this year’s celebration during the week of September 24, Banned Books Week emphasizes the importance of the First Amendment, which guarantees our inherent right to read.
The Evanston Public Library enthusiastically supports the right to read by hosting a presentation of City Lit Theater’s “Books on the Chopping Block,” a celebration of Banned Books Week, at 2:00 pmon Saturday, September 30, 2017. The production will take place in the Community Meeting Room of the Main Library.
“Books on the Chopping Block” is a 60-minute performance consisting of readings of short excerpts by professional actors from the top ten most frequently challenged books of 2016. Each book is presented in a countdown from #10 to #1. Preceding each excerpt is a brief description of the book and the list of reasons why it has been banned or challenged. A brief discussion/Q&A session with the audience and actors follows the performance.
“Freedom of speech and of the free press are rights promised us in the U.S. Constitution,” says Karen Lyons Danczak, library director. “Banning books is an infringement of those rights so we come together to emphasize these books and celebrate them at the Library.”
For a listing of the 2016 Banned Books, see here. Banned Books will appear on displays around the library during Banned Books Week.
Also in recognition of Banned Books week, the EPL is participating in the Rebel Reader Twitter Tournament, sponsored by the American Library Association. The program encourages teens and adults to complete action items on Twitter to be entered into a drawing for literary prizes. These tasks will test creativity and knowledge. Participants tweet using the hashtag #RebelReader during Banned Books Week (September 24-30) for a chance to win an array of literary prizes. One winner will be chosen on every day of Banned Books Week 2017. For a list of the eight tasks for the Tournament, see here or pick up a flyer at the library.
