Fans of the written word get their chance to speak up for freedom at the Rock Island Public Library during Banned Books Week, Sept. 23-29. Two free events will celebrate journalistic values and the individual freedom to read.
In support of the right to choose books freely for ourselves, the American Library Association and Rock Island Public Library are celebrating Banned Books Week, Sept. 23-29, 2018. Banned Books Week is an annual recognition of our right to access books without censorship.
Banned Books Week 2018 brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular. Two Banned Books Week events at the Rock Island Library's Downtown location, 401 19th Street, will celebrate freedom of expression and ideas.
On Tuesday, Sept. 25, Dr. David Schwartz, professor of journalism and media at Augustana College, presents a interactive look at the current media climate. His discussion, "How Fake News Might Save Journalism" is Tuesday at 6:00 pm at the Downtown Library. Dr. Schwartz will present a few remarks to help frame the topic, and then lead an open discussion about fake vs. credible news and the value of free and open access to information.
Fans of the written word will literally speak up for Banned Books in a public read out at the Rock Island Public Library on Wednesday, Sept. 26. The 5th annual Banned Books Week Reading and Celebration, co-hosted by the Rock Island Library and the Midwest Writing Center, starts at 5:30 pm with refreshments. From 6:00 to 8:00 pm, local librarians, educators, and other volunteers will present live public readings from favorite books that have faced outright bans or challenges.
Thanks to support from the Rock Island Public Library Foundation, the event also includes free drawings for Banned Books "swag" that celebrates the freedom to read and think freely.
Events are free and open to the public. Attendees of the Banned Books Week Read Out should be aware that some readings will include mature content.
Since 1982, Banned Books Week has noted that while not every book is intended for every reader, each of us has the right to decide for ourselves what to read, listen to or view. To celebrate your freedom to read, read an old favorite or a new banned book during Banned Books Week.