Banned Books Week (September 27 - October 3, 2020) is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. Look for banned book displays at all Alexandria Library branches.

The Alexandria Library will be hosting a Banned Books Read-Out and this year is inviting you to participate remotely in one of two ways:

• Record a 3-5 minute video or audio track of yourself reading your favorite banned book. The video or audio recording will be added to our YouTube channel and featured on our social media channels during Banned Books week (September 27 to October 3, 2020).  Prerecorded videos may also be played during our October 1st event.  Instructions on how to record and send your submission can be found here.  Prerecorded submissions should be received by September 24, 2020.

• Join us live with Library Director Rose Dawson on Zoom on October 1, 2020 at 7pm to read your favorite banned book for 3-5 minutes.
  If you would like to read live, please RSVP with your selection to Athena Williams at awilliams@alexlibraryva.org by September 24, 2020.

To learn more about Banned Books Week, and which books have been banned or challenged, go to the American Library Association website: http://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/