Banned and challenged books are often those that present topics that are considered difficult or "too mature," and often represent people who are marginalized or "othered" in some way. Banning, challenging, and censoring these types of books (or any book, for that matter) infringes on people's right to information guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution. Thus, it's vital that libraries keep these and other titles on the shelves for anyone and everyone to read. Not only do libraries house these books, the people who work in libraries read and advocate for them, too.
Here's what staff members at the Barbara Bush Library in Spring, TX had to say about the importance of reading and protecting banned books:
Why our library staff read banned books:
Ms. Karly (Children's Department)
"I think it's important to read banned books to expand your horizons and to think about things that aren't commonly or easily talked about. My two favorite banned books are The Scarlet Letter and Huckleberry Finn because they both discuss being outcasts and finding freedom."
Ms. Janet (Children's Department)
"Reading banned books is great because most of them are super interesting, or funny, and just really good books! The Chronicles of Narnia it was just completely magical; it transported me to a different world. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian was really raw with true emotions that teenagers go through or feel. It's important for these books to have a safe place where they can be read by people who want to read them. And if you don't want to read it, then just don't; that simple!"
Ms. Amanda (Children's Department)
"Banned books are the ones that some people are afraid of: afraid of reading themselves, afraid of children reading, afraid of anyone reading. This fear often stems from the unknown, the different lived experience, the highlighting of different values and beliefs. But these are not things to fear; they are things to embrace and celebrate! I read Lord of the Flies by William Golding as a teenager, and it opened my eyes to different ways of thinking, and to what humans are capable of, in both positive and negative ways. I read Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas as an adult, and it spoke to me so loudly, both culturally and spiritually! These books taught and touched me in very different ways, which is why the books we are told not to read are so important. I think part of the appeal of banned books is that someone or some entity is telling that you can't or shouldn't read this; that always speaks to the rebel in me!"
Ms. Rachel (Adult Department)
"Banned books explore lives and perspectives outside the dominant cultural narrative. One of my favorite banned books is Maus by Art Spiegelman because it explores the generational effects of trauma. It also refutes the narrative that people are made better or stronger by suffering. I love that HCPL is a book sanctuary; I hate that book bans have had such widespread success that we have to have a policy built around them."
Ms. Cynthia (Circulation Department)
"Reading banned books is integral in forming our understanding of perspectives outside of our own. They allow us to glimpse and understand points of view we may not be familiar with and challenge us in our way of thinking of what is the norm. In fact, many banned books range from LGBTQ+ topics to ones made by BIPOC authors. They allow these authors to have a voice and show their perspectives on issues that are very real to them. This view into the lives of a wide range of people, from different races and backgrounds, is integral in growing our understanding of the world. Banned books can also provide a sanctuary for readers and allow them to feel seen and heard by finally having a book that reflects their own thoughts and feelings.
A few of my favorite banned books are And Tango makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson, an adorable story inspired by the true tale of two male penguins who are in love and have a child together. In addition, I love The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, and Maus by Art Spiegelman.
I'm grateful that HCPL is a book sanctuary. In Texas, there has been a struggle with censorship and libraries by the state. Protecting banned books shows that HCPL is not going to be censored. We must ensure the availability and freedom to have books that are banned, regardless of whether you agree or disagree with their content. To ban books is to deny their existence. To dictate what is or isn't 'appropriate' for the public is to censor the voices that need to be heard and deny the validity of their existence."
Mr. Sunny (Circulation Department)
"Books are just containers for knowledge. Banning books is declaring some knowledge dangerous, but knowledge doesn't have intent; it cannot harm, violate, silence, or pervert. I don't believe we can ever be moved to cruelty or harm through learning about something. True, some knowledge has different weight, and some is beyond our understanding at first glance. But to protect each other from knowledge without giving us the opportunity to choose is a defining characteristic of censorship. Reading about the lived experiences of many, many people only serves to build compassion, respect, and understanding in human beings. A well-read person is, more often than not, a kind person. None of this even touches on the fact that banned books are often about or written by marginalized peoples whose stories we desperately need to amplify.
Perks of Being a Wallflower and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close were some of my favorite books in high school... I remember feeling how emotional the main characters were. As someone who felt like his own emotions were out of control at that age, it was gratifying to see myself reflected in those characters. This is definitely something I look for a lot now — to feel like I'm represented in some way in the media I consume. Some books from the ALA's 100 most contested list surprised me, since they were part of my curriculum's assigned readings at some point. For example, Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl, 1984, and The Giver ; ... the first isn't even fiction, and the other two are depictions of dystopia — as though learning about the evils that humanity is capable of committing is somehow dangerous. I strongly stand by the quote: 'Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.'
Thanks to all my coworkers who contributed to this Banned Books Week blog!
Related Content: Think Book Bans Won't Affect You? Think Again.
Related Content: The Harm in Banning Young Adult Books
What is your favorite banned book, or what banned book(s) do you plan on reading? Let us know on the comments!
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