By Rossi Ramirez
Since 1982, Banned Books Week has allowed readers the freedom to read and address the problem of censorship against books that are removed or challenged in schools and libraries across the country.
Texas A&M San Antonio’s library will host a read-aloud event in honor of the week long campaign, Sept. 21-27.
To date, more than 11,300 books have been removed or challenged in schools and libraries. Most recently, 464 books were challenged and reported to the Office of Intellectual Freedom in 2012, according to the American Library Association.
The event, free and open to the public, will be from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 26 in the foyer of Main Campus Building.
Students representing A-Literation Generation student club, and the English and Women’s Studies programs, will read from a list of books that have been challenged but are supported by the university library.
Challenged books include classics such as “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain and “Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger. These books are available to check out throughout the year.
For more information on Banned Books Week and a complete list of challenged books, contact the university library by phone at 210-784-1500 or by email library@tamusa.tamus.edu.