Banned Book Week Virtual Read-Out at the SPL!

Swansea Public Library
Banned Book Week Virtual Read-Out

  In observation of Banned Books Week, the
Swansea Public Library will be participating in the 3rd Annual
Virtual Read-Out.  Banned Books Week
extends from September 22-28. The library asks its patrons and anyone
interested to come and read a passage from their favorite banned or frequently
challenged book during Banned Books Week. Any book on the banned or challenged
lists may be chosen. The library has lists of banned books available at the
library as well as on its Facebook page. Participants may also choose to
discuss their favorite banned book and comment on how they would feel if
prevented from reading it. Each person has up to 3 minutes to do their reading.
These will be recorded and posted onto the Swansea Public Library YouTube page,
then sent to the official Virtual Read-Out YouTube page. Recordings can be done
throughout Banned Books Week, every day except Sunday and Tuesday during the
afternoons and evenings. Contact library assistant Kaija Gallucci at
508-674-9609 to schedule available timeslots. If participants need to schedule
before Banned Books Week, special accommodations can be made. Each person will
be required to sign a release form and minors will need a parent to sign this
form for them.

Banned Books week originated in 1982, after a slew of bannings from
schools and libraries. Many books that have been banned or challenged are
classic literature and children’s books. Libraries across the country observe
this week to take a look at censorship and its rationalizations. There are many
different opinions and viewpoints each book has to offer. These challenged
materials should be available to those who want to read them.

For more information contact the
Swansea Public Library at 508-674-9609 or visit us at www.swansealibrary.org or check out
our Facebook page.