Book Shop participates in Banned Books Week

What do Laura Ingalls Wilder’s “Little House on the Prairie” and Shel Silverstein’s “A Light in the Attic” have in common? Yes, both are staples for young American readers, but they are also books banned in schools and communities throughout the country.

The Luther Book Shop participated in National Banned Books Week Sept. 27 to Oct. 4 with a display and information to raise awareness about the controversial issue.
With certain books forbidden in libraries throughout the world, the book shop displayed some of these books and sold them at a 20 percent discount.

The banned book display is a tool for students to learn about challenged books and show support for literacy with their purchase.
National Banned Books Week is sponsored by literacy advocates such as the American Library Association and Luther Book Shop staff members have participated multiple times.
“We hope the display raises awareness on how precious our rights to freedom in this country are,” said JoAnn Uhlenhake, trade book buyer for the book shop. “What would happen if organizations completely banned books? These books have a right to be published, but it is an individual’s choice to read them.”

Uhlenhake’s view is shared by other faculty and staff on campus, like Dr. Andrea Beckendorf, electronic resources librarian and associate professor.

“As librarians, we foster the open exchange of ideas,” said Beckendorf. “Although people may have valid reasoning behind challenging certain books, the library represents all different viewpoints. It is important we leave it up to the reader to decide and encounter the material within the books when they’re ready for it.”

Books become challenged when an organization or group of people request the removal of a book from library shelves.

“There is no form to fill out when one wants to challenge a book,” said Uhlenhake.

“I understand that challenging certain books depends upon the area the book is found within, but it’s still scary to see how easily individuals can influence the social sector,” said Uhlenhake.

In addition, many people on campus were surprised by the some of the books on the list.

“I was definitely shocked to see Catcher in the Rye on the list,” said Kate Roe (‘09), “It was one of my favorites in high school, but apparently some of the themes have been considered ‘inappropriate.’”

Many of the books that have been banned in the past depend on their situational context. Frequently challenged for language, books are also banned due to sexual content, discrimination, violence or religious and political aspects.

Despite the contentious themes in some challenged books, the book shop faculty and staff have not encountered resistance to the display.

According to the American Library Association, more than 400 books were challenged in 2007. The top ten most challenged titles included “The Golden Compass” by Philip Pullman and Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple.”

“If a book is completely banned, you are eliminating information,” said Uhlenhake. “Whether an individual agrees with the material within the book or not, these books provide us all with an opportunity to learn and expand our consciousness.”