Salem Seeks More 'Banned' Books For Pop-Up Public Library

SALEM, MA — The Salem Mayor's Office plans to continue its showcase of banned and frequently challenged books with the extension of the Banned Book Little Library outside of City Hall.

The library, which opened as a pop-up location as part of National Banned Book Week late last month, will remain in place with the city extending an open invitation to the community to share their own books.

The Mayor's Office said the showcase is designed to encourage the reading of books dealing with themes of gender, sexuality and racism at a time when those books are increasingly being challenged or removed from school system libraries.

"In communities nationwide, books face challenges and bans," Mayor Dominick Pangallo said. "Salem stands firm in our commitment to intellectual freedom and the right to read. The city of Salem Banned Book Little Library is yet another small way we can come together as a community to support that freedom and right.

"I hope that everyone will consider contributing a book they are no longer reading, or choose a new one to take home."

The Mayor's Office said that while all book donations are appreciated, those that have been challenged or banned are "especially welcome and in keeping with the spirit of this project.

Those looking for a list of books that have been banned or challenged in schools can find it here and here.

Contributions can be placed right inside the library in front of City Hall.

"Let us unite in celebrating the freedom to read and stand resolute against book bans," the Mayor's Office said.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)