Libraries across the United States are facing unprecedented amounts of attempts to ban books. According to the American Library Association, more than 1,500 books were targeted for removal or restriction from libraries and schools in 2021 alone. While books unite us, connecting us with different cultures and perspectives, these harmful attempts at censorship create barriers that lead to isolation and ignorance.

Join your fellow readers in speaking out against censorship at the 10th annual Banned Books Read-Out on Friday, September 23, from 1 to 5 p.m. on Old College Lawn. At the Read-Out, Blue Hens and community members will celebrate their freedom to read by coming together to share passages from books that someone has tried to remove and ban from schools and libraries.

All are welcome to drop by and listen to selections from banned books or sign up to read an excerpt themselves. Walk-up readers are welcome, though advance sign-ups are encouraged and will receive priority.

For inspiration on what to read, browse ALA’s list of frequently challenged books, which includes titles like The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, the Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey, And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson, and The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.

“The principles of Banned Books Week — a time especially to recognize the freedom to seek and express ideas, the need to make content more accessible, and the power of stories to connect us — resonate deeply with the mission of the Library, Museums and Press and are especially important to champion in today’s socio-political climate,” said Trevor A. Dawes, vice provost for libraries and museums and May Morris University Librarian.

The Banned Books Read-Out is co-hosted by the Department of English and the Library, Museums and Press. It is held during Banned Books Week (September 18-24), along with several other themed programs in Morris Library. In the event of inclement weather, the Read-Out will be moved to Room 114 in Morris Library.