Banned Book Week is September 29th-October 6th. Whenever people hear about Banned Book Week, they seem surprised and ask what it is. It's a time when you are encouraged to think about all the books that have been banned from libraries or schools, or even societies. The list is depressingly long. But there's some ironic humor as well.
It's interesting to research why certain books have been banned through the years. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is one of the most frequently banned book. Published in 1884, it's been banned or challenged at least once each year since publication. It was the fifth most challenged book during the 1990's. But why it's been challenged is truly fascinating. Current challenges are often based on the use of a racial epithet. Opponents of the book claim the book denigrates African Americans. When it was first published, however, Huck Finn was challenged largely because it portrayed African Americans too well! Jim is a hero, he looks out for Huck and helps him along his many adventures. The fact that an African American character was an admirable character, someone to emulate, scared some groups, so they campaigned to suppress the book. What’s funny, though, is that at some point over the past 122 years, half the challenges to Huck Finn claimed it treated African Americans too well, while the other half claimed it was racist.
That's just one example of how and why people want to ban books. They believe that they're protecting society from some woeful ill or another. They believe they know what's best for the rest of us. A library is the exact opposite of that. We believe in letting you decide for yourself. Do you want to read Huck Finn? Great, we have it on our shelves. Do you think Huck Finn is offensive to you, or too mature for your child to understand? That's understandable and we'll help you find other titles that suit your needs. But we'll still keep Huck Finn on our shelves.
Most importantly, visit your Library during Banned Book Week. We'll have a wide selection of books that have been banned over the years, including Huck Finn. But we'll also have book displays on animals and popular science. Take one home and read it. Or don't. The important thing is no one will make that choice for you.
If you'd like to learn more about Banned Book Week, visit the American Library Association's website or read this brochure from the Illinois Library Association.
