Join us for a week of programs celebrating the freedom to read. University Libraries, in partnership with the Banned Books Club and the Unite to Read Project (URP), is hosting interactive events, displays, and activities to explore banned and challenged books.Keep reading to find the full list of event times, locations, descriptions and additional resources.
All events are free and open to the campus community. Some programs have limited capacity. Registration is required for the events on Monday-Thursday. Use the button above to register today!
Daily Event Details
Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Eisner room , 2:30 – 4:30 PM
As part of Banned Books Week, join us at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum for a hands-on workshop that explores the art of self-published comics and zines. These self-published booklets have historically been used to share ideas and perspectives outside of mainstream publishing. In this workshop, participants will learn the basics of creating zines and mini-comics and consider how these do-it-yourself publications have intersected with conversations about book banning, censorship, and freedom of expression.
Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.
Thompson Library, Room 149, 11 AM – 12 PM & 3 PM – 4 PM
Step into a world surveyed by Big Brother in this escape room inspired by George Orwell’s 1984. Test your loyalties by solving puzzles, cracking codes and uncovering secrets hidden by The Ministry of Truth. But beware... in a world controlled by order and fear, true escape may not be possible. After all, you can’t escape 1984.
Advanced registration is required.
Thompson Library, Room 149, 11 AM – 12 PM & 3 PM – 4 PM
Step into a world surveyed by Big Brother in this escape room inspired by George Orwell’s 1984. Test your loyalties by solving puzzles, cracking codes and uncovering secrets hidden by The Ministry of Truth. But beware... in a world controlled by order and fear, true escape may not be possible. After all, you can’t escape 1984.
Advanced registration is required.
Thompson Library, Room 165, 7 PM – 8:30 PM
Join us during Banned Books Week for a hands-on session on creating book résumés: a brief document that highlights the significance, literary value, and educational potential of books most susceptible to censorship. Facilitated by our partners at the Unite to Read Project, this workshop will focus on Unite Against Book Bans’ book résumé initiative and explore how this tool assists in discussions about book selection, reconsideration, and access in schools and libraries.
Attendees will have the opportunity to:
- Learn what book résumés are and how they help defend frequently banned books
- Discover how to find the information needed for a high-quality book résumé
- Practice completing a book résumé for a targeted book
- Explore ways to use book résumé writing to engage others in defending banned books and readers’ rights
Please bring an electronic device to work with. Printed material will be available for those without a device. Refreshments will be provided.
Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.
Thompson Library, Room 460, 12 PM – 2 PM
As part of Banned Books Week, join us for Right to Read, a community-wide celebration of reading and the freedom to explore ideas. Explore our selection of banned and challenged books, or bring your own, and enjoy quiet, uninterrupted reading time with others.
This event is designed to create space for reflection on the importance of access to books and the value of reading in our personal and collective lives. We’ll begin with a short welcome from the Banned Books Club, followed by time to read together. Light refreshments will be provided. Those who wish to share what they’re reading or discuss their reflections afterward are welcome to stay for an informal conversation. This year’s featured book is Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson. Explore Chains and other items from our curated selection of Banned Books.
Book Raffle: Enter for a chance to win a banned or challenged book. Submit entries at events and by completing our online programs. Entries are limited to 1 per person.
Interactive StoryMap: Explore Censorship Across Time and Place and discover how censorship has shaped reading across history. You can access the interactive storymap here: Censorship Across Time and Place
Reader Quiz: Not sure what to read next? Take our quiz to find your banned book match. Banned Book Matchmaker Quiz.
Banned Books Displays
Visit our Banned Books displays at various locations. Don't forget to pick up some exclusive swag items near the display areas! Displays can be found at:
- 18th Avenue Library
- Thompson Library, atrium and displays outside room 165
- Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Library & Student Success Center
- Geology Library
- Agricultural Technical Institute Library
- Lima Library
- Marion Library
- Newark Library
