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03/28/2024 05:40:28 am

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Here's What You Need To Know About "Banned Books Week"

Banned Books

(Photo : Reuters)

Certain books in the past that have been banned from public consumption are now being celebrated.

Here's what you need to know to join in on the week-long celebration of banned books:

1. This is the 32nd year of "Banned Books" Week. Celebrations began on September 21 and will run until September 27.

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The first "Banned Books" week was started by library activist Judith Krug in 1982. That was the year there was a sudden surge of books being pulled off from shelves for being too "controversial" or "inappropriate"

Celebrations always occur every last week of September, in order to remind people about the freedom of expression and the importance of the uninhibited access to information.

Speaking during the festival's opening, controversial "Bone" cartoonist and creator Jeff Smith, stated, "The point. is that they are trying to take away someone else's ability to choose what they want to read, and you can't do that." Parents across the United States tried to ban his multi-awarded comic book from being released to the public last year.

Events surrounding "Banned Books" week are sponsored by groups such as the American Booksellers Association, Freedom to Read Foundation and the American Library Association.

2. Classrooms from all around the United States are taking part in the celebration in order for students to learn the value of the first amendment and the implications of censorship.

An activity commonly pursued in the classroom is by having students pick a banned book in the past and for them to read a passage in front of other students. The class is then made to talk about why the book was once banned.

Another activity involves students being asked to create their own short stories about the first amendment.

3. Other people around the United States have taken it upon themselves to create events that celebrate the festival, including virtual read-outs or creating edible representations of banned books.

4. Some of the more vintage books that were put in the spotlight or banned in the past include "The Great Gatsby", "Lord of the Flies", "Animal Farm", "To Kill A Mockingbird". 

Contemporary books that have also been questioned or have been attempted to be banned include "The Hunger Games", "The Perks of Being A Wallflower" and "Fifty Shades of Grey".

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