Decorah will observe Banned Books Week this week

"Banned Books Week" was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries.  More than 11,300 books have been challenged since 1982.
 
Decorah's observance of Banned Books Week 2012 will include a reading at T-Bocks Open Stage Night, a Banned Books Read-Out, street theatre by Upstart Crow Theatreworks, a Banned Books Week presentation by Shannon Horton, and ongoing displays at Luther College, Decorah Public Library, and select local retailers.

The Luther College Book Shop (in Dahl Centennial Union) will host a Banned Books Read Out from noon until 12:45 p.m. Tuesday.  Luther students, faculty, and staff will read selections from their favorite challenged books.  The event is co-sponsored by the Luther College Book Shop and Preus Library.

Upstart Crow Theatreworks will present "Banned Books Theatre," an original street theatre performance created by Kristen Underwood and a company of actors aged 13-17. Exploring themes of censorship, freedom of speech, and other issues at the core of Banned Books Week, the 20-minute play will be performed free of charge at the Water Street Park at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday; in the Decorah Public Library at 6:00 p.m. Thursday; and during the Winneshiek Farmers Market at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

According to the American Library Association, 7 out of 10 of the most challenged books in 2011 were published for teenagers. Shannon Horton, teacher librarian with the Decorah Public Schools, will present "What Should (or Shouldn't) Teens Be Reading? And Who Gets to Decide?" at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday at Decorah Public Library.  While celebrating the freedom for teens to choose for themselves, she will also discuss some common concerns parents and teachers have about what teenagers read.

Visit Preus Library at Luther, the Decorah Public Library, and retail stores in downtown Decorah to see a wide variety of ongoing displays depicting various Banned Books Week themes.

Special thanks to all Banned Books Week partners: Decorah Community Schools, Decorah Public Library, Dragonfly Books, Luther College, and Upstart Crow Theatreworks.   

Call Decorah Public Library at 563-382-3717 for more information.