I read banned books

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September 27 – October 4, 2008 marks the 27th celebration of the freedom to read and the freedom to choose what we read. Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read "reminds Americans not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted."

Banned Book Week celebrates the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one’s opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them. After all, intellectual freedom can exist only where these two essential conditions are met.

BBW is sponsored by the American Booksellers Association, American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, American Library Association, American Society of Journalists and Authors, Association of American Publishers, National Association of College Stores, and is endorsed by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.

Research Maven Lisa Gold has written a fine post in honor of Banned Book Week, with a reading recommendation on the subject of censorship. More information here, at the American Library Association site, and because I'm all about the swag, visit the ALA store to order your "I Read Banned Books" accessories.