Troy University Library celebrates Banned Books Week
Every year from Oct. 4 to Oct. 10, the Troy University Library offers free banned and restricted books to students as part of Banned Books Week.
The week is an annual awareness campaign organized and sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA). During the week, libraries across the nation celebrate the freedom to read and spotlight the harm of book censorship.
In 2017, a former Troy University librarian secured a grant from the ALA for a week of events in recognition of Banned Books Week. Ever since, the library has made banned and restricted books availible for students.
"I think that it's important that every library take part in [Banned Books Week,] but I think it’s good for our students to be aware that things like [book censorship] happen ,but at the same time, it just puts books in their hands," said Dean of Libraries Dr. Chris Shaffer.
Among the censored books passed out were "The Color Purple," "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" and "A Prayer for Owen Meany."
Books can become banned for a variety of reasons, ranging from explicit sexual content and violence to political and historical critiques.
Shaffer said the reasoning behind banning books has changed over time.
He said books used to be banned for things like explicit language and sexual content. Now, they're being banned for containing content - such as LGBTQ+ topics - that makes some readers feel uncomfortable.
"People are wanting to ban books for the very reason they should want to read them," Shaffer said. "They're saying it goes against their perspective - well the reason you read is to get a different perspective.
"I didn't pick up this book because I could read my own thoughts. I wanted to know somebody else's."
When it comes to books being banned on a national scale, Shaffer said he isn't worried, but he is aware.
"I think dystopian fiction is in, but I don't think we're quite there as a country yet," Shaffer said. "That isn't something I lose a lot of sleep over, but I think it's always good to always remain vigilant."
While the library is closing the book on Banned Books Week, it's still encouraging students to exercise their freedom to read.
Comments