McDermott Library Celebrates Freedom to Read

A recent virtual event showcased more than a dozen works challenged or banned by bookstores, schools or libraries. The Freedom to Read event was coordinated by the librarians of the Library Instruction team in the Eugene McDermott Library. Loreen Henry, Chris Edwards, Katie Robinson and Ryan Slattery orchestrated the readings. The original Banned Books event was created during the early 1980s by the American Library Association in response to a rise in censorship in America and has become a crucial part of their programming.

Each reader selected a passage from a list of works most of which were challenged in the last decade. A synopsis of the work was included by Katie Robinson, the moderator. The enthusiastic participants included faculty, staff members, and administrators; many of whom are ready to read again in future readings to celebrate the freedom to read.

A recording of the event provides a means to discover the depth and variety of the works for those who were unable to attend. The Library thanks all the readers and those who enjoyed the event.