Banned Book? All the More Reason to Read It

What do J.K. Rowling and J.D. Salinger have in common, besides initials?

Their books have been challenged, or in some cases, outright banned in some parts of the country.

But this week, through Oct. 1, fans of literature and librarians across the country encourage people everywhere to pick up these books and read them, as part of Banned Book Week - Celebrating the Freedom to Read.

Considered a library holiday, the effort encourages people to read any one of the hundreds of books that have been banned or had its content challenged.

Libraries across the country, including Loma Linda’s library, are participating. Loma Linda is making it easier for people to find those books by setting up a display on the facility's third floor that features several books.

“We really try and encourage the kids to think for themselves,” said Panda Oesterblad, young adult specialist at the Loma Linda library. “Once they start reading something that they don’t like they can put it down.”

“It’s OK if you don’t like to read it, but it’s not good if you try to dictate what others read,” she said.

The list of banned and challenged books is long and it’s authors, in many cases, are considered important literary figures. They include Mark Twain, John Steinbeck, Maya Angelou, Ernest Hemingway and Kurt Vonnegut.

“A Light in the Attic,” written by poet and children’s book writer Shel Silverstein, was challenged and proposed for banishment because it encourages children to break dishes rather than wash them, Oesterblad said.

“They have been banned for petty reasons," she said. "It's amazing they have been denied the chance to read this books because some didn’t like what was in there.”

Librarians and celebrity spokespeople have been getting the message out about the week. Loma Linda Library will have an event connected to Banned Book week, titled Bling, from 4-5:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Anyone interested in participating may visit the Loma Linda Library, 25581 Barton Road or call (909) 796-8621.

See the list of the top 10 challenged books from each of the past 10 years.