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BANNED BOOK WEEK
September 28-October 2, 2020
Artwork courtesy of the American Library Association, www.ala.org
Every year the JCMS Library celebrates Banned Book Week. This week is organized by the American Library Association and American Booksellers Association. We celebrate our Intellectual Freedom rights. Each and every individual has a right to READ and LEARN and be INFORMED! It is our duty to make sure we exercise those rights and what a better way then to READ a banned book.
Every year the American Library Association collects the titles of books that have been either challenged or censored. A book is challenged when an individual decides to exert their rights upon another person. This individual makes a formal challenge and requests the removal of a book, a graphic novel, an audio book, a piece of music, a website, or even an image. Challenges go through a process and its fate is determined by whoever is in charge (a principal, a mayor, a governor, or even a president). If a challenge is successful, the item is removed or banned and no one gets to read or access it. If a challenge is unsuccessful, the item returns to its home and the public can enjoy it.
And every year the American Library Association publishes a list of the Top Ten Challenged or Banned Books. In fact there are lists for all the books that have ever been censored and for what reason. Because the reason is the scary part of Banned Books. So why would someone try to stop you from reading or accessing something? Check out some of the lists and why these books are on these lists. Then read one and YOU MAKE THE DECISION! Should you read it or not- the choie is up to you.
Top 10 Challenged or Banned Books for 2019
Frequently Challenged Young Adult Books
Frequently Challenged Children's Books
Banned or Challenged Classics
National Council of Teachers of English: Titles Challenged 2002-2018
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TEENTOBER
TeenTober was created by the the ALA's Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). This month-long event shows how teen services connect teens with services and materials provided by libraries that will help them develop new skills and fuel their passions. TeenTober merges Teen Tech Week™ and Teen Read Week™ into one program to celebrate teen services in libraries.
Every year in order to celebrate this event, JCMS' Library Media Center starts all of its library clubs. Please consider celebrating this month by joining one of the various clubs offered by the school library.
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NATIONAL POETRY MONTH
Every April since 1996, the JCMS library has celebrated National Poetry Month with displays and activities. During this time, students are encouraged to read and write poetry. The Academy of American Poets created this monthly celebration to remind us "that poets have an integral role to play in our culture and that poetry matters."
National Poetry Month is April but really you can celebrate it all year long. Check out a poetry book from the library or one of these suggestions- and have some FUN!
Academy of American Poets: Poetry for Teens
Academy of American Poets: Poetry for Kids
Poetry Foundation: Explore Poems
Poetry Foundation: Explore Poems More
