North Dakota State is hosting a Banned Book Slam in commemoration of the American Library Association’s Banned Books Week.
Amanda Booher, NDSU libraries communications and programs coordinator, said, “In the past at NDSU, we’ve remained low-key during Banned Books Week and participation only included a book display.
“This is our first year celebrating at this level, and we hope to make it a tradition.”
Booher said the week is about increasing discussion on forbidden material which has gained nationwide attention in public libraries and schools.
During the event, members of the community will share a passage from their favorite banned book and why it is significant to them.
Timothy Alvarez, vice president of student affairs and one of the guest speakers at the event, said he plans to reflect on how society impacts the material considered inappropriate to read. He added that society has a tendency and a historic will to ban certain literature because it may be controversial, offensive or countering society’s perceived values at the time.
However, Alvarez said he hopes the discussion at the Banned Book Slam will be driven by what’s important and necessary in society. He said that what is great about this country is the human right to communicate freely.
With a full list of speakers, each person will present for three to four minutes, and the event is expected to run for an hour long.
The event occurs at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 28 in the Weber Reading Room of NDSU’s main library.
ALA’s annual Banned Books Week runs Sunday through Saturday.
The organization’s website said that Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship.
ALA said this year’s Banned Book Week aims to explore the diversity in author’s ideas and their prompted willingness to share various challenges.
The group is the oldest library association in world. It states its mission is to provide leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.
ALA says more than 11,300 books have been challenged since 1982.
Books challenged in 2015 include “Looking for Alaska” by John Green, “Fifty Shades of Grey” by E.L. James, “Two Kissing Boys” by David Levithan, “Fun Home” by Alison Bechdel and The Bible.