Celebrate the freedom to read with the Evanston Public Library

Events and more in honor of Banned Books Week

Evanston, IL - Banned Books Week is officially Oct. 1-7, but the Evanston Public Library is starting early with programs and gear to celebrate your freedom to read.

Last year, the American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom documented 1,269 demands to censor library books and resources, the highest number of attempted book bans since the ALA began compiling data about censorship more than 20 years ago and nearly double the number of challenges the previous year.

The Evanston Public Library has several upcoming events to raise awareness of the issue of book challenges over the next two weeks:

 - Law At The Library: Know Your Rights – Book Bans and the Law. This month’s Law at the Library offers a special session featuring a discussion on book banning with the State’s Librarian, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. Circuit Court Judge Robert F. Harris will host the discussion and moderate an audience Q & A. This free program will be offered in-person at the Harold Washington Library's Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, and on Zoom. Tuesday, September 26, 6:00pm - 7:00pm.

 - Midwest Impact Day of Service: Seeing Black in REaD. Book challenges disproportionately target BIPOC authors. Join EPL and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for a celebration of literacy with a focus on African American literature and authors. Guests include L'Oreal Thompson Payton, author of Stop Waiting for Perfect: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone and Into Your Power, Charmeka McCoy,  author of He's Only 8, and Laura Williams, author of a collection of books focused on developing an early love of art and learning. Register above or visit dstevanston.org  Best for ages 8 to adult. Saturday, September 30, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

 - Book Challenges on the Rise: Support Your Freedom to Read. The freedom to read is a fundamental American right: your right to choose the ideas, information, and cultural experiences that are right for you and your family. This virtual Banned Books Week discussion moderated by columnist Heidi Stevens will share how to effectively support intellectual freedom and examines Illinois’ legislative response and the implications of censorship on communities with a panel of experts including Secretary of State Giannoulias, Reaching Across Illinois Library System Executive Director Monica Harris, and Jasmine Warga and Jarrett Dapier, authors of frequently challenged books. Monday, October 02, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Get your ‘I Read Banned Books’ gear

In honor of its 150th anniversary, the Evanston Public Library has launched an online shop of tees, totes, mugs and more celebrating the library and the freedom to read. Pick up an ‘I Read Banned Books’ mug or sticker, a ‘Literacy & Justice for All’ tee and other EPL swag in our online store. A limited number of tees will also be available for purchase at a discount at the Library’s 150th Anniversary Open House on Saturday, Oct. 14.

For more information on these and other programs offered by the Evanston Public Library, visit epl.org. For more information about frequently challenged books, visit ala.org.