Banned Books Week 2020: A Schedule of Virtual Events
Banned Books Week 2020 kicks off on September 27! Throughout the week, libraries, schools, bookstores, and organizations will be hosting events that spotlight the freedom to read — make sure to check out events happening around you!
Here are also some events from the American Library Association and its friends to add to your calendar.
Celebrating Banned Books Week at Central Washington University, Freedom to Read Foundation Grant Winner
When we looked at ALA’s Ten Most Challenged Books of 2019 and saw that 8 of the 10 most banned books were challenged for LGBTQIA+ themes, we knew that we should center LGBTQIA+ themes in our Banned Books Week programming.
#BannedBooksWeek In Action
#BannedBooksWeek in Action invites readers to participate in a different activity that spotlights literary activism each day of Banned Books Week.
The Trouble with Critical Thinking
Parent complaints over teachers’ use of CNN 10 reveals the trouble with teaching critical thinking skills.
Happy Birthday, Stephen King!
Not only is today Stephen King’s birthday, but Banned Books Week is also just around the corner! Throughout his entire career, King has been a frequently challenged and banned author. Let’s all take a moment to reflect on and celebrate the King of modern American horror.
Intellectual Freedom News 9/18/2020
This year’s (Sept. 27 – Oct. 3) Banned Books Week theme — Censorship is a Dead End. Find Your Freedom to Read — draws attention to the barriers these censorship incidents enact, making it harder for readers to navigate the world and explore new perspectives. Free shareable graphics, coloring sheets, and cover photos can be found at ala.org/bbooks/freedownloads.
Each day of Banned Books Week, OIF will promote a different action that spotlights literary activism. Titled #BannedBooksWeek in Action, readers are encouraged to share their activities on social media with the hashtag.
Escape The Dead End Of Censorship! A Virtual Escape Room Adventure… Plus More Banned Books Week Activities
Someone is trying to save the world from dangerous ideas by censoring popular comics – but who will save our freedom to read from the censors? The ALA Intellectual Freedom Round Table and Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table are teaming up to bring you a very ‘graphic’ Banned Books Week! Use your intellectual freedom knowledge to join a team of heroes in Escape The Dead End Of Censorship!, a virtual escape room adventure (available in image-enhanced and text-only versions). Also, learn more about our Banned Books Week 2020 programming, including daily webinars hosted by GNCRT and the #BannedBooksWeek in Action social media campaign.
The Far Reaches of Misinformation
The 2020 Presidential election, the COVID-19 pandemic, and an increase in digital, remote learning reveal the importance of providing students with nuanced, varied learning opportunities related to misinformation.
Banned Books Week through an Alternate Lens: Amnesty International
ALA focuses on the books of Banned Books Week. Amnesty International focuses on people.
Intellectual Freedom News 9/11/2020
Intellectual freedom and equitable access are core values of the library profession. The belief that these values are even more important today serves as the foundation of the articles in the September issue of Knowledge Quest. Contributing authors demonstrate how school librarians are still finding new and innovative ways to defend intellectual freedom, privacy, and uninhibited intellectual inquiry.