Kansas State University students, faculty observe Banned Books Week
Monday, Sept. 21, 2015
MANHATTAN — K-State Libraries, Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society and the English department are co-sponsoring a series of events Sept. 27-Oct. 3 to recognize Banned Books Week at Kansas State University.
A host of the university's students, faculty and staff will read from notorious and surprising banned books from noon to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, in the free speech zone at the Bosco Student Plaza. Selections include books that have been banned or challenged in libraries and schools, including titles like "To Kill a Mockingbird" or the "Hunger Games" series. The daily event is free and open to the public.
"The American Library Association holds Banned Books Week each fall to celebrate the freedom to read and express ideas, even ideas some consider unpopular," said Daniel Ireton, assistant professor and undergraduate and community services librarian at K-State Libraries. "This annual collaborative event with the English department is a natural partnership between people who are passionate about the value of reading."
Students, faculty and community members are also invited to attend a panel discussion, "Sex, Age, and Religion: Responding to censorship challenges," moderated by Naomi Wood, professor of English. The event will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, in the Hemisphere Room at Hale Library.
Speakers include Vicki Sherbert, assistant professor of curriculum and instruction in the university's College of Education; the Rev. Patrick McLaughlin, First United Methodist Church, Manhattan; Brandon Haddock, coordinator, the university's LGBT Resource Center; and Charissa Powell, assistant professor and undergraduate and community services librarian, K-State Libraries. The group will consider a wide range of censorship issues, especially those that are most frequently leveled at literature for young readers.
For further information about Banned Book Week events on or off campus, contact Ireton at 785-532-7436 or dli6873@k-state.edu. To learn more about Banned Books Week nationwide, visit the American Library Association website at http://www.ala.org/bbooks.
