DonateOn Sunday, October 1, grab a book and a camp chair and head to the Robbins Library from 3:00-4:00 p.m. to celebrate Banned Books Week at the library’s first read-in to support the freedom to read.
Readers of all ages are invited to the “Let Freedom Read” event. Community members will be joining libraries and library lovers across the Commonwealth at the statewide read-in.
Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom to read and spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. For more than 40 years, the annual event has brought together the entire book community — librarians, teachers, booksellers, publishers, writers, journalists, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.
James Lonergan, Director of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, says, “Libraries across the nation and in Massachusetts have experienced a surge in book challenges.” Lonegran adds, “we may not agree on what to read, but hopefully we can all agree that the freedom to choose what we want to read is a vital part of a democratic society. Libraries across the Commonwealth develop collections that meet the diverse needs of the communities they serve. Everyone is welcome to find a good read from their library and join the celebration.”
Participants can bring their own banned or challenged books or read one of the library books available at the program. Attendees will also find out how to help stem the tide of book challenges and bans. In case of inclement weather, the read-in will be moved into the Robbins Library Reading Room.
“Let Freedom Read” is supported by the Robbins Library and the Joint Task Force for Intellectual Freedom with members from the Massachusetts Library Association, Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the Massachusetts Library System, and the Massachusetts School Library Association.
Let Freedom Read
Sunday, October 1
3:00-4:00 p.m.
Robbins Library Lawn