Get Ready For Banned Books Week

Books inspire people to ask questions. They encourage people to seek the truth or even reject certain ideas. They represent a wide variety of experiences and voices to allow readers to find connection, safely explore unfamiliar ideas, and broaden their understanding of the world.

Around a decade after the Civil War’s end, a postal inspector, Anthony Comstock, created an organization called “The New York Society for the Suppression of Vice.” With this organization, and the help of the vast reach of the postal service, Comstock had control over what Americans could read or view for decades. He oversaw the destruction of countless books, photos, and printing equipment that he and his organization disagreed with.

Some of the world’s best-known books have been removed from schools or the shelves of public libraries due to its “controversial content.” Possession of banned books has at times been regarded as an act of treason, which was punishable by prison time, torture, or even death. Back in 1982, so many books were being challenged in the US that a number of organizations came together to start Banned Books Week, both to highlight the fact that literature was being banned, and to celebrate the freedom to read.

In some countries, bestsellers from Harry Potter to The Da Vinci Code, have been challenged or banned. In China, Winnie the Pooh is censored. Even here in the US, Captain Underpants, a children’s book, has been removed from schools due to “concerns that they caused unruly behavior among children.”

Each year the American Library Association (ALA) puts together a list of the most challenged books across the country for Banned Books Week. Reasons for books being banned have been due to it containing LGBT characters, drug use and profanity, political tones, or considered sexually explicit with mature themes. Part of the Banned Books Week celebration is the fact that the books have remained, for the most part, available. This happens only thanks to the efforts of librarians, teachers, students, and community members who stand up and speak out for the freedom to read. Specifically with comic books, thank you to the Comics Book Legal Defence Fund (CBLDF).

So let’s celebrate! Next week is Banned Books Week (9/23 – 9/29), visit your local library and pick up a book (banned or otherwise), borrow one from a friend, or download one. One of my favorite ways to read comics is through HOOPLA. It’s a FREE app where you can instantly borrow comics, digital movies, music, eBooks and more, 24/7 with your library card from the comforts of your home or when you’re on the go.

Not sure which banned book to pick up? Check out this link from the Los Angeles Public Library of 15 banned and challenged graphic novels. Also, share with us what you end up with. Have you read any of these banned books before? Personally, I’ll be continuing to read more Saga, Deadly Class, The Sandman, Rat Queens, and Lumberjanes!