Freedom to Read

Banned Books Week is an annual event sponsored by the American Library Association that both celebrates the freedom to read as well as calls attention to efforts to restrict access to certain books. The Central Michigan University Department of English Language and Literature will recognize Banned Books Week with three separate events.

In collaboration with the English department, Sleepy Dog Books is hosting a “Sleepy Dog Book Tasting” from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. October 7-11. For this event, guests are invited to visit Sleepy Dog Books to look at displays, check out covers, and read the backs of challenged books. Banned books will also be available to purchase.

“It is essential to read banned books to foster critical thinking, build knowledge, understanding, and empathy,” says Riley Justis, the owner of Sleepy Dog Books. He sees this event as a huge benefit for the community.

“Reading banned books works to preserve intellectual freedom and allows you to support those voices that are traditionally marginalized in society,” said Justis. “As a community and a culture, we must not fear what may be seen as different; instead, we must embrace those who, through their written works, allow us to understand ourselves better.”

On Thursday, October 9 at 6:30pm in Anspach Hall, Room 161, a panel of educators, librarians, advocates and students will discuss the history and complexity of censorship, and what it means for communities and higher education.

On Friday, October 10, student-led organizations Sigma Tau Delta and Indivisible CMU will host a “Banned Book Read-In” from 1 to 5 p.m. on the west lawn next to the Park Library. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own banned books, or other banned books will be available to read.

“These events celebrate the freedom to read widely, spark conversation, and prepare CMU students to make informed decisions as future leaders,” says English faculty member and Banned Books Week event organizer Holly Lewis.

“Banned Books Week gives power back to voices that are silenced when certain books are made inaccessible to schools or communities,” said Lewis. “By showing up for one week—reading banned books, sharing on social media, or supporting organizations like the American Library Association monetarily—we join a larger effort to elevate those voices and build awareness all year long.”