September 22, 2011
Morris Library to host banned book reading
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- In celebration of Banned Books Week, the freedom assured by the First Amendment, and open access to information, Morris Library at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is hosting a banned book reading.
“Celebrate your Freadom” is set for Sept. 29 from 12:35 to 3 p.m. in the rotunda on the first floor of the library. From 12:35 to 1:50 p.m., students in the Saluki First Year 101 class of Megan Lotts, fine arts librarian, will read selections from books once banned. Campus faculty and staff will then read selections from their favorite “banned” books for the rest of the event. To book a slot to participate, email Melissa Hubbard, rare book librarian and assistant professor, at mhubbard@lib.siu.edu.
The public is welcome to attend the event and enjoy the readings and view a special display of banned books from the Special Collections Research Center’s Freedom of the Press Collection. In addition to marking Banned Books Week (see http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/index.cfm for more information), the event’s goal is to raise awareness about censorship and intellectual freedom issues, according to Hubbard.
Those in attendance can also enjoy refreshments.