The University of Memphis library, in conjunction with librariesand bookstores across the nation, is celebrating the freedom toread challenged or banned material by participating in "BannedBooks Week" later this month.
Observed since 1982, "Banned Books Week," with the theme of"Elect to Read," will be held Sept. 25 through Oct. 1. During theweek, The U of M library will host faculty, staff andadministrators as they read passages from banned or challengedbooks in the rotunda of the Ned R. McWherter Library.
"It's an act of defiance against those who suppress the freedomto read. It's a basic freedom in the Constitution," said TomMendina, assistant to the dean of libraries. "The reading isinteresting and we have great readers with great comments."
Books are usually challenged with the purpose of protectingothers, especially children, from difficult ideas and information,according to the American Libraries Association.
For example, books in the "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowlingwere some of the most challenged books in 2003. Their focus onwizards and magic found opposition from some religious groups.
"Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck ranked third on the mostchallenged list due to its offensive language.
Other books that made the top 100 challenged books list may comeas a surprise to some.
Books on the list include: "The Color Purple," "The Catcher inthe Rye," "The Outsiders," "A Wrinkle in Time" and "Goosebumps,"the popular children's books.
"That's rubbish. People should be able to read what they wantto," said Jeff Welch, senior business major.
Some people say the most important aspect of "Banned Books Week"is exercising the rights Americans have to discover withoutrestrictions.
"It's absolutely fundamental to our democracy for people to bewell educated and have unrestricted access to whatever it is theywant to read," said Steven Mulroy, assistant professor of law. "Theidea to ban books is antithetical."
The library hopes University President Dr. Shirley Raines, whoread last year, will again join the cast of readers.
The passages, which could range from five or six paragraphs tofive or six pages, tentatively include the following challenged orbanned books, according to Mendina: "The Adventures of HuckleberryFinn," "Native Son," "The Bluest Eye," "To Kill a Mockingbird" andselections from the "Harry Potter" series.
"We hope that all those who enter McWherter Library during areading will pause for just a moment to reflect on the freedomrepresented in these presentations and renew his or her commitmentto uphold this freedom for future generations who will inhabit TheUniversity of Memphis campus and beyond," said Annelle Huggins,associate dean of university libraries.
The readings will take place at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. eachday during the week, and will include a question and answer sessionafterwards.
Each reading will last approximately 40 minutes and is open tothe public.
The list of readers and readings should be finalized later nextweek.
