Tavi Stallings ’27, staff writer

Bishop Library creates opportunities to educate students on Banned Books Week.

Banned Books Week celebrates and educates people on the importance of making information free and open to everyone. This year is very important since many more books are being challenged than in the past.

“In 2022, there were more challenges to books throughout the United States than there has ever been recorded in the last 20 years of statistic keeping by the American Library Association,” Maureen Bentz, director of Bishop Library, said.

Many books have been challenged since authors in the LGBTQ+ community and the BIPOC community have written them. Those challenging these books fear their children will be swayed into these topics and believe they are dangerous. Therefore, in order to counteract these stigmas, the library is highlighting some of the most commonly banned books.

“We have virtual readings, where members of the LVC community, faculty, staff and students are reading sections of banned books,” Bentz said. “We also have a wonderful and beautiful display with a lot of cool books that are banned in other places as well.”

Bentz encourages students to be aware of where books are being challenged. Students should also educate themselves on the various topics related to book banning and fight for these issues since they can impact the future.

Banned Books Week runs from Oct. 1 to Oct. 7 this year. To check out the library’s virtual readings, go to @bishop_library on Instagram.