This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
Each year, the American Library Association calls attention to the attempts to ban certain books from library shelves with Banned Books Week (September 22-28), and this year, some Longmont teens are joining the call to action.
The Teen Library Committee (TLC) at the Longmont Public Library is an informal advisory committee of local readers in grades 6th through 12th who meet once per month to contribute opinions and feedback to the Library’s Children’s and Teens Services staff.
On September 23, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, instead of a regular meeting, the TLC is hosting a party at the Library to highlight the most frequently banned books and the value of free access to books and information.
Partygoers will explore the dangers of censorship and why it is important to have open and free access to information, as well as learning about books that have been challenged or banned in the past year. They’ll also discuss their favorite challenged books, watch clips from films based on banned books, and, of course, eat snacks. The party is for those in 6th through 12th grades only, and no registration is required.
Library staff will also be creating a big banned books display in the Children’s and Teens’ section and installing interactive “shelf-talkers” honoring Banned Books Week, throughout the area.
Finally, the Library’s social media platforms will feature one challenged or banned book per day throughout the week. So check out your Library during Banned Books Week this year to learn more about your freedom to read.
