Hillcrest High School Celebrates Freedom to Read

Banned Books Week is an annual and national awareness campaign promoted by the American Library Association and Amnesty International which celebrates the freedom to read. The week typically takes place the last full week of September and highlights books that are frequently censored or “banned” for various reasons such as religion, sexuality, or obscenities. Banned Books Week unites communities through activities to support the freedom to seek and express ideas – even if those ideas are unpopular.

Librarians at Hillcrest High School worked diligently to provide events for students and staff so that together they could celebrate the freedom to read, share, and learn information from literature. During week-long initiatives, students shined a light on their freedom to read by taking a photo with their favorite “banned” book. Students also participated in banned books trivia during lunch periods, and library staff showed the 2018 Fahrenheit 451 movie starring Michael B. Jordan and Michael Shannon. After the film, students participated in a discussion around censorship of literature. Plus, the staff created a one of a kind display showing off books that had been restricted or removed from various libraries throughout the years.

“Banned Books Week provides students with the opportunity to discuss the importance of sharing ideas and examining literature that some feel does not conform to certain standards,” says Hillcrest Librarian Lisa Walsh. “Students are usually shocked to learn that some of the titles they have enjoyed reading have been challenged and banned.”

Examples of some of these books include Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Catcher in the Rye, and many many more. Click here to see 100 of the most frequently challenged books by decade provided by the American Library Association.