Indiana State University Newsroom

Indiana State University will confront the issue of censorship during Banned Books Week, Sept. 29 - Oct. 2.

Each year during the last week of September, libraries and bookstores across the country display books that have been banned or challenged in the United States and host activities to raise awareness.

This year, there will be a special focus on "To Kill a Mockingbird" to celebrate its 50th anniversary of publication. It is one of the most banned books of all time.

Indiana State's Cunningham Memorial Library, the Barnes & Noble campus bookstore will participate, with programs co-sponsored by the American Democracy Project and the Center for Public Service and Community Engagement.

The events for the week are as follows:
Tuesday - Friday (Sept. 29-Oct. 2), first floor of library
"The Gray Wall": a poster display about recently banned and challenged books. What did the reviewers say? Why were these books challenged? Who are the authors? Find out how the American Library Association and its Office for Intellectual Freedom combats censorship attempts.

Wednesday, Sept. 30
1-3 p.m. Library Events Area
Book Exhibit: Browse books from the library's collection that have been challenged or banned in some libraries. Find out if a book you loved or always meant to read has been viewed as "dangerous," "wrong" or "immoral." Children's and young adult books, recent fiction and the classics that have been banned or challenged, including many that were in the "Top Ten Most Banned Books" last year will be available.

1-1:50 p.m., Library Events Area
A Readers' Theatre production for Banned Books Week scripted and produced by Marsha Miller, reference/instruction librarian: With a cast of library staff, learn about the authors, the books, the people and the circumstances surrounding recent challenges to books in schools and public libraries.

2-2:50 p.m., Library
Banned Books Story Time: Listen to stories and excerpts from young adult and children's books. Enjoy the journey through pictures and words with Tango the Penguin or follow the adventures of Harry Potter as students, faculty and staff read from banned or challenged books. Following story time, books from the exhibit will be available for check out.

Thursday, Oct. 1
9:30 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., ISU Bookstore
Banned Books OUTLOUD: Join the community and celebrate your right to read out loud from books that have been banned or challenged. Consider reading from "To Kill a Mockingbird."

Contact: Darlene Hantzis, professor of communication and women's studies and campus coordinator, American Democracy Project, Indiana State University, 812-237-3658 or dhantzis@isugw.indstate.edu

Writer: Lana Schrock, media relations assistant, Indiana State University, 812-237-3773 or lschrock1@indstate.edu