Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 5:00–6:00 p.m. EST (with optional informal discussion from 6:00-6:30 p.m.)
As part of Banned Book Week, you are invited to BANNED: A Virtual Banned Books Read-Out & Discussions on the Freedom to Read on October 5 at 5:00 pm EST. In addition to “flash-talks” from librarians, SC&I faculty, and Rutgers alumni on censorship and free speech, this virtual open mic-night will also give participants the opportunity to read from, listen to, and celebrate their favorite banned/challenged books. All kinds of texts are welcome, as are all languages! Please note that read-out performances will be limited to 2 minutes each, so choose your excerpt wisely.
Check out the banned books libguide: https://libguides.rutgers.edu/bannedbooks.
Want to participate but don’t know what to read? The ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom has published lists of the most challenged books since 2001, and they can be found HERE.
However, you are not required to do a read-out! Even just tuning in to listen can be a radical act in the celebration of banned books, freedom of speech, and speaking truth to power.