where creativity and community meet
Banned Books Week
Each October, the Literary Arts Program notes Banned Books Week with a presentation by an invited speaker and collaborative events around Eastport. Our acknowledgment of the danger presented by book challenges is based upon the belief that, as the American Library Association states, “The freedom to read is essential to our democracy.” Our events during this special week support the right of people to access and read the books they desire.
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Every year, over 2000 books are targeted for banning in the United States. Although the vast majority of attempts at censorship have happened elsewhere, the possibility exists that challenges could happen here. Dana Chevalier, librarian at Peavey Memorial
Library, states, “Censoring books is an assault on personal freedom. I absolutely support anyone’s right to read or not read something.”
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The importance of this issue is the reason a consortium of local organizations—including the Eastport Arts Center, Peavey Memorial Library, A Boatload of Books, and The Quoddy Tides—join hands each year to support the right to read whatever one chooses.
Learn more about Banned Books Week from the American Library Association
See the top 100 banned books by decade
