Banned Books Week 2017 Roundup

September 24 – 30 is Banned Books Week, a time when librarians, educators, authors, publishers, and book lovers everywhere celebrate the right to and joy of reading freely. I’ve rounded up some content featuring facts and opinions on and happenings from the week that was and the subject of banned books in general. Check it: … Continue reading →

Library Cards: So Valuable, it’s Madness

I used to eat at Chili’s a lot. I’m not necessarily a huge fan of lower-middle-tier casual American eateries (though if I could go here, I would) or baby back ribs, but my friend was a waiter there for several years, so I went to be supportive. Every now and then, I’d come in and … Continue reading →

They Banned THAT?!?

  “These books are banned?”   It’s the incredulous question we get repeatedly each year when we put up our display for Banned Books Week, which winds down for 2015 tomorrow. We answer that well, the books aren’t technically banned, at least not in any widespread fashion (it’s admittedly an incendiary tactic to get people … Continue reading →

Banned Books Week 2014 Roundup

Rather than mount my soap box and subject you to my opinions as I did last Banned Books Week, this year I’ve opted to be your curator of content from around the Internet covering library land’s favorite freedom fightin’ week. Enjoy.   Read 14 Great Banned & Censored Novels Free Online – Celebrate your freedom … Continue reading →

Value: It’s in the Cards

I think it’s safe to say the proliferation of special holidays and recognitional months has gotten a little out of control. I mean, I’m all for everybody having their causes recognized and interests celebrated, but for every Baby Safety Month and International Literacy Day, there’s supremely goofy stuff like Shameless Promotion Month and International Talk … Continue reading →

Sense, Censorship, and Sensibilities

“Did you ever hear anyone say ‘That work had better be banned, because I might read it, and it might be very damaging to me’?” -Joseph Henry Jackson The above quote is featured on the fine exhibit on censorship, “The Bonfire of Liberties,” the library is currently hosting in honor of Banned Books Week. It … Continue reading →

A Week For Library Love

In case you didn’t know, this week (April 14 – April 20) is National Library Week. What, you didn’t know? Do you mean to tell me that libraries aren’t perpetually perched at the forefront of your consciousness, right alongside chocolate and the “Happy Days” theme song? That’s okay, I guess. Sometimes I forget not everyone … Continue reading →