Banned Books Week, an annual event highlighting the value of free and open access to information, celebrates the freedom to seek and to express ideas.
UB Libraries will host a series of events during Banned Books Week, September 18-24, 2022. This year’s theme is “Books Unite Us, Censorship Divides Us.” These events are an opportunity to raise awareness about the impact of censorship in the United States, particularly in view of the many recent bans and challenges to certain books in libraries and schools during the past year.
In a time of intense political polarization, the number of attempts to ban books is on the rise. ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 729 challenges to library, school and university materials and services in 2021, resulting in more than 1,597 individual book challenges or removals. Most targeted books were by or about Black or LGBTQIA+ persons.
A selection of these books is on display in the Lockwood lobby and in our online Collection Spotlight and have been targeted with removal or restrictions in libraries and schools at various times over the years.
Scheduled events include:
Movie: Fahrenheit 451 (2018 version)
Mon. Sept 19 at 5:00pm, Silverman Library, Room 310.
Introduction by Joe Patton, Assistant Librarian, University Libraries
Book discussion: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Tues. Sept 20, 1:00pm, Silverman Library, Room 310.
Commentary by Joseph Valente, Professor, UB Department of English
Movie: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Wed. Sept 21, 5:00pm, Silverman Library, Room 305.
Introduction by Joseph Valente, Professor, UB Department of English
A Conversation: Books Unite Us. Censorship Divides Us.
Thurs. Sept 22, 3:00pm, Silverman Library, Room 310.
-Laura Taddeo, Associate Librarian, University Libraries
-Damien Keane, Director of Graduate Studies, Associate Professor,UB Department of English
-Kristi Dougherty, Manager of Children’s Services and Outreach, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
All events are open to members of the UB community and the general public.
Visit our research guide at Home – Banned Books Week – Research Guides at University at Buffalo