“What is freedom of expression? Without the freedom to offend, it ceases to exist.”
― Salman Rushdie
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Did you know books are still frequently challenged and banned in libraries, schools and other institutions in the United States?
A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials.
Banned Books Week 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. It brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular. Learn More about banned book week on the American Library Association website: https://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks
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Andrew Gulliford
SATURDAY,
Sept 25th @ 1 p.m.
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This is part of History Live Durango's ongoing series of events in September. Andrew Gulliford will discuss "The Wooly West" (In Paperback Soon!) and the role of the sheep industry in Colorado and the American West. |
Andrew Weber
Thursday,
Sept. 30th
@ 7 p.m.
Enjoy a presentation and discussion with the author on visiting these iconic areas with an emphasis on respect for the land.
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Janet Jones
Friday, October 1
@ 4 p.m.
A presentation and book signing by the author on the interactions and connections between horses and humans. This event will be hosted in conjunction with the Durango Cowboy Poetry Gathering events Sept. 30th - Oct. 3rd. |
Authors in the Parklet is Wrapping up in October.
We've had so much fun hosting local and regional authors in our parklet this summer! Catch these last few before we pack up until next year!
Sunday, September 26th
Tuesday, October 12th
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Have You Tried Audio Books Yet? |
It all started out innocently enough – I started listening to audiobooks years ago as a way to pass the time on long drives. At first, I couldn’t listen when I was in traffic without getting distracted from the story, but eventually I honed my skills -- or maybe I just became a more distracted driver. Before long I was looking for any excuse to spend a few more minutes in the car if it meant I could keep listening. I’d take the long way, drive slower, even seek out road construction if it meant I could spend more time listening to the story unfold.
Then, one day, I realized I could listen to audiobooks outside of the car, and everything spiraled out of control. Before I knew it, I was endlessly vacuuming my house, gardening like a maniac, triple-washing every cup in the house, anything to have an excuse to keep listening to whatever book I was immersed in at the time.
Now, it wasn’t all bad. I took long walks, I ran farther, and I was on top of every new release. But, I’ll admit, things went a bit too far.
Nowadays, I like to think my audiobook listening is back under control. Admittedly, I still seek out excuses to listen to my book a little longer, but I also take time for other things, like reading books, and selling books. Balance is important, after all.
If you too want to dabble in the dangerous, wonderful world of audiobooks, please consider purchasing an audiobook subscription with Libro.fm. They partner with independent bookstores like Maria's Bookshop so that your audiobook purchases directly benefit us! Not to mention, your house will never be cleaner.
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Reply for a Chance to Win
a Free Copy of "Cloud Cuckoo Land"
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Be the first to reply with the correct answer, and this copy of Anthony Doerr's new book, "Cloud Cuckoo Land" is all yours!
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What is the full name of the blind French girl featured in Doerr's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "All the Light We Cannot See"? |
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This book will be available on Tuesday, September 28th! Pre-Order now to reserve your copy!
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What's New
For Young Readers?
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For Readers aged 4
Coming September 28th!
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For Readers 4 to 8
Coming September 28th!
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For Readers 10 and up
Coming September 28th!
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For Readers 8 - 12
Coming September 28th!
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For Readers 12 and up
Coming September 28th!
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Did You Know that
Books Are Still Banned and Challenged in the United States Today?
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The ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) tracks attempts to ban or restrict access to books across the United States and to inform the public about censorship efforts in our libraries and schools.
Attempts to remove library materials continued during the pandemic, despite many libraries and schools closing or moving their activities and services online.
In 2020, the Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) tracked 156 challenges to library, school, and university materials and services, affecting 273 books. The office also noted a focus on demands to remove books that addressed racism and racial justice or those that shared the stories of Black, Indigenous, or people of color.
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Top 10 Banned Books of 2020 |
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Banned and Challenged: For profanity, sexual references, and allegations of sexual misconduct by the author.
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Banned and Challenged:
For profanity, drug use, and alcoholism, and because it was thought to promote anti-police views, contain divisive topics, and be “too much of a sensitive matter right now.”
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Banned and Challenged: Because of author’s public statements, and because of claims that the book contains “selective storytelling incidents” & does not encompass racism against all people.
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Challenged: For profanity, and it was thought to promote an anti-police message
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Banned and Challenged: Because it was considered sexually explicit and depicts child sexual abuse
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Banned and Challenged: For racial slurs and their negative effect on students, featuring a “white savior” character, and its perception of the Black experience
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Challenged, Banned, and Restricted:
For LGBTQIA+ content, conflicting with a religious viewpoint, and not reflecting “the values of our community.”
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Banned and Challenged: For racial slurs and racist stereotypes, and their negative effect on students
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Banned, Challenged, and Restricted: Because it was thought to contain a political viewpoint and it was claimed to be biased against male students, and for the novel’s inclusion of rape and profanity.
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Challenged: For “divisive language” and because it was thought to promote anti-police views.
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Audiobooks by Latinx Authors |
In celebration of Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15) Libro.fm asked Kalima DeSuze–the owner of Cafe con Libros in Brooklyn, NY– to help create a playlist of Latinx-authored audiobooks. Check out the list here, and listen to a Latinx voice this month.
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