Everyone should have the right to choose what they read and should be trusted to make their own decisions about what they and their families read. This is the foundation of intellectual freedom and the rights guaranteed in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Yet, we continue to see a surge in book challenges and book removals in our schools, libraries, and communities. While the majority of Americans don’t support censorship, attempts to ban or remove books continues at unprecedented levels. Coordinated censorship attempts are a national problem that happen at the local level.
Poudre Libraries stands with readers across our community in support of the freedom to read, an American value that must be protected. Libraries are a safe haven of knowledge and community, offering access to diverse viewpoints and empowering individuals to engage with the issues of our time.
We encourage you to commit to celebrating and defending your right to read and to access information! This month (and every month), Poudre Libraries is the space to be free to read!
Join the Reading Challenge: “Read for Your Rights”
This year’s all ages reading challenge, “Read for Your Rights,” starts October 1 and runs through the end of the month. Participants must read one banned or challenged book and complete one challenge activity by October 31 to be entered into the prize drawing. This year’s prizes are three $35 gift cards to the Library’s online merchandise store.
Create an account or sign in to your existing account on Beanstack to participate. Visit our Reading Challenges page to get started or download the free Beanstack Tracker app from your app store. Once you’re signed up, you’ll find a selection of book titles to inspire your reading along with a list of related activities to choose from.
Celebrate Banned Books Week
Banned Books Week takes place October 5 – 11 with the theme “Censorship is so 1984: Read for Your Rights.” Join us to celebrate your right to read with these themed events.
Banned Books Week Movie Night
Sunday, October 5
Old Town Library
6:30 – 8:30 PM
Screening of Banned Together followed by a Q&A. More information about the film.
Banned Books Week Trivia Night
Monday, October 6
Mythmaker Brewing
6:00- 8:00 PM
Test your knowledge of banned books, censorship, and intellectual freedom! Come solo or with a team (up to 6 people).
“The Librarians” documentary and discussion
Monday, October 13
The Lyric, 1209 North College Avenue
6:00 -8:30 PM
A second screening of The Librarians has been added. Hosted in partnership with Colorado State University and ACT Human Rights Festival. More information about the film.
Show Your Support
Support your library and look great doing it! Just in time for Banned Books Week, Poudre Libraries has released new designs in our online merchandise shop. Visit Poudre Libraries’ online Bonfire store to browse new additions and choose the styles that speak to you. All sales support library programs and services. You can also find more detailed information about book bans across the country via the American Library Association’s website.
