The Racine Public Library, 75 Seventh St., is hosting several events celebrating basic American rights during Banned Books Week, September 28-October 4. Celebrating the Freedom to Read is observed during the last week of September each year. Observed since 1982, the annual event reminds Americans not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted. The public is invited to view book displays and attend these free events at the library:
Monday, Sept. 29: Voter Registration Day – In preparation for the upcoming Presidential election in November, non-Partisan deputies certified by the State of Wisconsin will be on hand from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. at the library to register any Wisconsin residents to vote. A valid WI driver's license or Wisconsin State ID is required. A one-page voter registration form will be available for completion on site. All forms will be submitted to the state by the deputies.
Tuesday, Sept. 30: Adventures in Stories – The Youth Services Dept. will host this storytime for families with kids ages 5-10 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The program will feature stories you may be surprised to find were on the challenged list and a "Freedom of Expression" craft.
Wednesday, Oct. 1: Coming Together Racine Movie Night, 6-9 p.m., features a screening and discussion of "Resurrecting the Champ," the story of up-and-coming sports reporter Josh Hartnett and the boxing legend he rescues from homelessness. During his quest to resurrect Champ's story, the ambitious reporter reexamines his own life and his relationship with his family. Not recommended for children under age 17.
Thurs. - Sat., Oct. 2-4: First Amendment Film Festival, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Three intriguing documentaries about basic American rights.
*Thursday, Oct. 2: "The First Amendment Project: What's Left of Our Rights?" – A highly innovative anthology from a group of award-winning indie filmmakers. First Amendment rights are explored through headline-grabbing moments when our Constitution's integrity has been tested. Challenging viewers to examine their understanding of civil liberties, these films masterfully illustrate when unpopular expression ran against prevailing attitudes and powerful interests.
*Friday, Oct. 3: "Smothered: The Censorship Struggles of the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" – This incredible slice of America's media and pop-culture history reveals how this groundbreaking television program became a hot bed of controversy during its broadcast days from 1967- to 1969. Tom and Dick Smothers pioneered a turning point in American television history, using friendly folk music and wholesome charm to bring a new brand of political commentary to the American public.
*Saturday, Oct. 4: "Iron Jawed Angels" – A fresh and contemporary look at a pivotal event in American history. This film tells the true story of how defiant and brilliant young activists Alice Paul and Lucy Burns took the women's suffrage movement by storm, putting their lives at risk to help American women win the right to vote.
Banned Books Week is sponsored by the American Booksellers Association, the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, the American Library Association (ALA), the Association of American Publishers, the American Society of Journalists and Authors and the National Association of College Stores. The Library of Congress Center for the Book endorses it.
Many bookstores and libraries across the nation join in the celebration with displays and readings of books that have been banned or threatened throughout history. These include works ranging from the Bible to John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men."
Each year, the American Library Association's (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom receives hundreds of reports on books and other materials that were "challenged" (their removal from school or library shelves was requested). The ALA estimates the number represents only about a quarter of the actual challenges. "Most Challenged" titles include the popular "Harry Potter" series of fantasy books for children by J.K. Rowling. The series drew complaints from parents and others who believe the books promote witchcraft to children.
The challenges reported reflect a continuing concern with a wide variety of themes. Other "Most Challenged" titles include "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain, for its use of language, particularly references to race; "It's Perfectly Normal," a sex education book by Robie Harris, for being too explicit, especially for children; and "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou, for the description of rape she suffered as a child.
For more information about challenged books, contact the Office for Intellectual Freedom at 800-545-2433, ext. 4223, send e-mail to oif@ala.org.
For more information about Banned Books Week programming at the Racine Public Library, call 262.636.9217 or email becky.spika@racinelibrary.info.
Monday, Sept. 29: Voter Registration Day – In preparation for the upcoming Presidential election in November, non-Partisan deputies certified by the State of Wisconsin will be on hand from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. at the library to register any Wisconsin residents to vote. A valid WI driver's license or Wisconsin State ID is required. A one-page voter registration form will be available for completion on site. All forms will be submitted to the state by the deputies.
Tuesday, Sept. 30: Adventures in Stories – The Youth Services Dept. will host this storytime for families with kids ages 5-10 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The program will feature stories you may be surprised to find were on the challenged list and a "Freedom of Expression" craft.
Wednesday, Oct. 1: Coming Together Racine Movie Night, 6-9 p.m., features a screening and discussion of "Resurrecting the Champ," the story of up-and-coming sports reporter Josh Hartnett and the boxing legend he rescues from homelessness. During his quest to resurrect Champ's story, the ambitious reporter reexamines his own life and his relationship with his family. Not recommended for children under age 17.
Thurs. - Sat., Oct. 2-4: First Amendment Film Festival, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Three intriguing documentaries about basic American rights.
*Thursday, Oct. 2: "The First Amendment Project: What's Left of Our Rights?" – A highly innovative anthology from a group of award-winning indie filmmakers. First Amendment rights are explored through headline-grabbing moments when our Constitution's integrity has been tested. Challenging viewers to examine their understanding of civil liberties, these films masterfully illustrate when unpopular expression ran against prevailing attitudes and powerful interests.
*Friday, Oct. 3: "Smothered: The Censorship Struggles of the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" – This incredible slice of America's media and pop-culture history reveals how this groundbreaking television program became a hot bed of controversy during its broadcast days from 1967- to 1969. Tom and Dick Smothers pioneered a turning point in American television history, using friendly folk music and wholesome charm to bring a new brand of political commentary to the American public.
*Saturday, Oct. 4: "Iron Jawed Angels" – A fresh and contemporary look at a pivotal event in American history. This film tells the true story of how defiant and brilliant young activists Alice Paul and Lucy Burns took the women's suffrage movement by storm, putting their lives at risk to help American women win the right to vote.
Banned Books Week is sponsored by the American Booksellers Association, the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, the American Library Association (ALA), the Association of American Publishers, the American Society of Journalists and Authors and the National Association of College Stores. The Library of Congress Center for the Book endorses it.
Many bookstores and libraries across the nation join in the celebration with displays and readings of books that have been banned or threatened throughout history. These include works ranging from the Bible to John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men."
Each year, the American Library Association's (ALA) Office for Intellectual Freedom receives hundreds of reports on books and other materials that were "challenged" (their removal from school or library shelves was requested). The ALA estimates the number represents only about a quarter of the actual challenges. "Most Challenged" titles include the popular "Harry Potter" series of fantasy books for children by J.K. Rowling. The series drew complaints from parents and others who believe the books promote witchcraft to children.
The challenges reported reflect a continuing concern with a wide variety of themes. Other "Most Challenged" titles include "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain, for its use of language, particularly references to race; "It's Perfectly Normal," a sex education book by Robie Harris, for being too explicit, especially for children; and "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou, for the description of rape she suffered as a child.
For more information about challenged books, contact the Office for Intellectual Freedom at 800-545-2433, ext. 4223, send e-mail to oif@ala.org.
For more information about Banned Books Week programming at the Racine Public Library, call 262.636.9217 or email becky.spika@racinelibrary.info.
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