Celebrate the Freedom to Read Week NOT Banned Books Week

This is going to be my only post about "Banned Books Week," which begins on Sunday. Why? 2 reasons.

First, I want you to stay away from "Banned Books" language. We need to make the narrative about the real issue here, the infringement on people's freedom to read what they want. It is fine if you don't want to read something, but you CANNOT force others to not have access to it as well. Focusing on the "banning" undermine how serious this fight it. So if you are doing promotion for the week, consider changing your language to Celebrating the Freedom to Read. This is what is actually at stake.

Second, I am not an expert on this issue. I am someone who is fighting the good fight, but Book Riot, under the editorial direction and tireless work of Kelly Jensen, is leading here. As I have been for months, I and passing on their censorship coverage to you. I will be retweeting their coverage. Spend your time on Book Riot on this issue, not here on RA for All.

Specifically I have three posts I want you to have read before you get up your "Banned Books Display" this weekend, but I encourage you to use the Book Riot censorship tag for more information as well. 

Here is an article entitled, "Celebrating Banned Books Week 2022,"by Nikki DeMarco. This article breaks down the importance of "celebrating" this week and links to virtual programs you can offer.

And here is the one you MUST READ. "How to Create a Good Banned Books Display," by Kelly Jensen. From the intro:

Banned Books Week is coming, which means that waves of displays in libraries, classrooms, and bookstores are also incoming. We’re already seeing many, and while they are useful for highlighting the reality of censorship across America to those who are not as tapped into the news about it, too many banned books week displays are outdated and do not accurately reflect the reality of censorship right now. Banned Books Week displays continue to rely on older classics that have been historically challenged or removed. But to make a true impact — and to be accurate and effective in messaging — it’s time to rethink the Banned Books Week displays and make them more up-to-date and include a call to action.

Click here to read the steps with links. Its includes a great graphic.  Please consider everything Jensen has to say before you put up a display. 

Finally, here is her brand new article which is a list of 7 action items to do next week. I have done or will be doing many of these. 

I urge you to follow her lead, as I do.