The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System (CLPLS) and Mississippi University for Women’s Fant Memorial Library have partnered together, in addition to the MUW Department of Languages, Literature and Philosophy to focus on Banned Books-Week.
Banned Books Week is held annually, with 2022’s Banned Books Week taking place from Sept. 18-24.
Programs at the MUW Fant Library include a Banned Books Scavenger Hunt that will take place throughout the week; a Banned Books Hybrid Read-A-Thon from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday in the Fant Library Tiered Classroom; Mini Banned Book Art in the Fant Library lobby on Tuesday; and a Banned Book Panel with a reception to follow on Wednesday, at 6 p.m., in the Fant Library Multipurpose Room.
Participants will be able to create mini book covers of banned books and transform them into their own creations from bookmarks to earrings. The banned book panel was inspired by recent violations of library patrons’ right to read across the country.
“Banned Books Week is a celebration of our right to create, share, and have access to the diverse experiences, thoughts, and feelings of all peoples of the world,” said Allene Nichols, assistant professor of English at MUW.”The week serves as a way to combat information suppression by highlighting the books that have been challenged or banned. We, as a group of librarians and educators in Columbus, Mississippi, encourage everyone to participate in Banned Books Week and celebrate our freedom to communicate without censorship.”
In addition to MUW’s efforts, CLPLS will be hosting a banned book reading challenge from Sept. 1 to Sept. 30. The challenge will highlight previously banned titles and anyone with an email address can participate.
Other programs CLPLS will be highlighting include a Banned Books Children’s Trivia program on Monday at 6 p.m. Teens will have a chance to recreate banned book covers on mini canvases with all materials provided twice during the week, with one chance held at the downtown Columbus branch library on Tuesday at 6 p.m. and a second chance at Caledonia Public Library on Wednesday at 4 p.m.
Adult programs with CLPLS will include an Adult Audiobook Read-A-Thon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, and a Big House Books Information Session on Saturday at 11 a.m.
“We’re excited to promote the freedom to read with MUW this September, as access to information for all is the first priority for libraries, and we strive to ensure that our patrons are connected to the books and resources they want and need,” said Tori Hopper, children and teen services librarian. “We hope that with this partnership, we will be able to increase the visibility concerning a citizen’s right to read and have access to all information, whether it’s at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System, MUW’s Fant Library or any other library.”
Those interested in learning more about Banned Books Week at CLPLS and the MUW library can visit libguides.muw.edu/bannedbooks/events or lowndeslibrary.com.
To preregister for the Banned Books Reading Challenge, visit lowndes.beanstack.org and see all events happening in relation to Banned Books Week.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.