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ZEBULON - A recent search of the local public library’s shelves revealed a large number of banned books. Some of the titles which have been censored or banned at one time or another include such questionable children's books as Dr. Seuss's The Lorax (the logging industry was offended by the anti-deforesting plot line), Judy Blume’s Freckle Juice (“bad parenting”), and Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree (“vicious, one-sided relationship”).
Library assistants Bre Richard and Emily Evans have prepared displays on both the children’s and the adult sides of the library, filled with books that have been at one time targeted with removal or restrictions in libraries and schools. Each book contains a slip which briefly details the reason for the proposed ban.
“Do you know why the Little House books were banned?” asks Evans. “Or The Wizard of Oz? Or Winnie the Pooh? If you don’t, come on over and take a look at the display. ” Richard adds, “We hope you will be brave enough to check out some of these titles and decide for yourself.”
Some of the selections on the adult/young adult side of the library include works by Stephen King, John Steinbeck, Shakespeare, and Tim LaHaye; among the books, patrons will discover such controversial titles as To Kill a Mockingbird, The Hobbit, Moby Dick, and, yes, The Holy Bible.
September 21-27 has been designated by the American Library Association as Banned Book Week, 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.
By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship. While books have been and continue to be banned, part of the Banned Books Week celebration is the fact that, in a majority of cases, the books have remained 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.
The public is encouraged to visit the library during regular business hours: MWF 10-5, TTh 10-7, and Sat. 10-3.