A few of the banned books Syracuse Public Library has to be checked out in honor of Banned Books Week

Those visiting the Syracuse Public Library this week are finding a tall stack of books wrapped in plain paper.

These books are available to be checked out by patrons who make the decision to take part in the Banned Books Week through Sept. 30. The library theme for the week is “The First Amendment: the Right to Read Printed Material.”

The American Library Association sponsors Banned Book Week yearly to highlight the value of free and open access to information. They publish an annual list of the top 10 most challenged books using information they compile from public challenges reported in the media and censorship reports submitted to their office for intellectual freedom on challenge forms that are available at all  local libraries.

The list of each year’s top 10 banned books is available on the American Library Association website.

“We have done something every year to make people aware that some people say that certain books should not be available,” said Becky Brower, adult program director at Syracuse Public Library. “Our staff picked some of their favorite books from the adult and young adult sections. We also pulled many books that have been challenged before. We wrapped the books in plain brown paper and newsprint and have them out for check out. The book that someone else has chosen could potentially be a big disappointment, but we think this is a fun way to experience censorship.”