‘Words Have Power’ is theme for this year’s Banned Books Week

The theme for this year’s observance is “Words Have Power. Read a Banned Book.” The words in these banned and challenged books have the power to connect readers to literary communities and offer diverse perspectives.

Throughout Banned Books Week, libraries, booksellers, publishers, journalists, educators and readers throughout the world commemorate the benefits of free and open access to information, while drawing attention to the risks of censorship. Sarasota County Libraries will observe Banned Books Week to emphasize the importance of ensuring access to a wide array of ideas for all citizens.

“Just imagine some of the books and the ideas they represent that would not be available to readers if attempts to ban them had succeeded,” said Ellen India, adult services coordinator for Sarasota County Libraries. “Books such as ‘To Kill A Mockingbird,’ ‘The Great Gatsby,’ the ‘Harry Potter’ series and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ are among the classic titles that have been challenged.”

The public is invited to visit any of the Sarasota County’s libraries and learn more about the history of Banned Books Week. Visit scgov.net/library for a calendar of library events for all ages, including book discussion series; all events are free and open to the public.

For more information, call the Sarasota County Contact Center at 941-861-5000 and ask about Banned Books Week.