Banned Books Week: Celebrating Libraries and the Fight for Freedom of Speech
Libraries have always played a crucial role in providing access to knowledge and expanding horizons. As we observe Banned Books Week from October 1 to 7, it is an opportune time to recognize the invaluable service libraries and librarians provide in upholding the principles of freedom of speech and intellectual freedom.
For many, libraries serve as windows to the world, offering a diverse range of books that can educate, inspire, and empower individuals. Benjamin Franklin, the brain behind the first public library in the United States in 1731, envisioned libraries as a means to make books accessible to all, including those who couldn’t afford to purchase them. As someone who grew up on a small farm in rural western North Dakota, libraries and the book mobile were my gateway to the wider world, and I will be forever grateful for their impact on my life.
In the realm of children’s literature, the role of parents in guiding their children’s reading choices is crucial. If parents deemed a book inappropriate for their child’s age, they would rightfully refrain from allowing them to read or check it out. It is the responsibility of every parent to ensure their children consume content that aligns with their values and beliefs, whether in books, movies, or on the internet.
However, Banned Books Week reminds us of the challenges faced by libraries and the principles they strive to uphold. Recent bans on books have often targeted subjects such as LGBTQ issues, but a closer look at the American Library Association’s list of the 100 most commonly banned books reveals that many address race and equity as well. Surprisingly, even a beloved series like Captain Underpants has not been spared from censorship attempts. If we start banning books simply because they don’t conform to our own worldview, we risk eroding the very essence of freedom of speech that many have fought to protect.
Fortunately, a majority of Americans do not support book banning, as indicated by a poll with a 70% overall approval rating. Nonetheless, a vocal minority has intensified their efforts to influence censorship and enact legislation. States like North Dakota have seen legislation that impinges on the freedom of librarians to serve their communities as they see fit. These measures not only threaten the principles of intellectual freedom but also make it harder for small rural libraries to find qualified staff.
Libraries should be bastions of information, promoting diverse perspectives and championing the right to free expression. They mirror the principles upon which our democracy was built, ensuring that every voice can be heard. As we commemorate Banned Books Week, it is essential to express our gratitude to librarians and libraries worldwide for their steadfast dedication to preserving freedom of speech and intellectual freedom.
In conclusion, the celebration of Banned Books Week is a reminder of the important role libraries play in providing access to a diverse range of books and ideas. It is a time to acknowledge the efforts of librarians who tirelessly promote intellectual freedom and defend the principles that underpin our democratic society. Let us stand with libraries and librarians in their fight for the right to read, explore, and engage with a multitude of ideas, for that is the essence of a truly free society.
