Syracuse Public Library News
Read a Book for Banned/Challenged Book Week
The American Library Association (ALA) compiles a list of books that are asked to be removed from the shelves of libraries around the country. Remember the furor when the Harry Potter books were first brought to the United States? The top banned books, requested for removal, during the last decade are the J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter series. Patrons that want to look at the top 100 requests can look in the ALA banned books site or come to the Syracuse Library and see the list highlighted to show the books available for immediate check-out.
Banned Book Week takes place this year at libraries around the country the week of Sept. 23 to Sept. 28. The ALA, which promotes the event, is a watchdog organization that protects individuals’ rights to read through awareness, and when necessary, through legislative efforts. Many of the books on the list were challenged for age appropriateness and exposure to children in school libraries. But many are seen as a threat to personal world views. Some books are misinterpreted to have an agenda when the author was simply describing an event in the world. Everyone should see for themselves the books that other people would remove from libraries around the United States.
Adult readers enjoy getting unique bookmarks
The three top prizes of giving $25 to local nonprofit organizations has motivated some people, but mainly adults, to show how much they like to read. The Syracuse Library has many hand-crafted bookmarks so patrons of the library are encouraged to show their love of reading by entering the reading program. The program ends Oct. 1.
Reach the library at 574-457-3022 and www.syracuse.lib.in.us