Words Have Power

Banned Books Week September 24-September 30.

“A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials.”
- From the American Library Association (ALA)

“Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it highlights the value of free and open access to information. Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.”
- ALA

In celebration of Banned Books Week and the freedom to read, Southold Free Library has two displays; one by the Circulation Desk and one in the Young Adult area. These displays highlight the many banned and challenged books that we have on our shelves. Come take a look at our displays - how many “Banned Books” have you read? Or check out one of the displayed books and exercise your right to read! Would you like to know more about banned and challenged books? We are happy to address any questions or concerns you have. Please ask!

You can also visit the American Library Association’s website for more information.

“Banning books gives us silence when we need speech. It closes our ears when we need to listen. It makes us blind when we need sight.”

- Stephen Chbosky, author of The Perks of Being a Wallflower