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All books have either been banned or challenged in schools or public libraries.
Last year, people tried to keep 546 books off the shelves or out of classrooms, according to the American Library Association.
This week is Banned Books Week, a program to raise awareness about censorship of books. It was started in 1982 by the ALA, the American Booksellers Association, the Association of American Publishers and the National Association of College Stores.
Paperbacks and Pieces co-owner Shelley Olsen is handing out lists of banned and challenged books at her bookstore.
“We have customers who come in with the goal of owning every one of them,” Olsen said.
Olsen said she gets almost daily requests for Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird,” which is on the list.
She says she doesn’t expect all people to like the same books. She just thinks they should have the right to read them.
“It’s a threat to our First Amendment,” Olsen said. “It’s our responsibility as a bookstore owner to preserve free speech.”
Winona Public Library director Jim Stetina said that in his four years at the library, no one has requested that a book be banned.
“I think we’re quite fortunate to have an open-minded community,” Stetina said.
Stetina said the library’s selection committee tries to fill the requests of patrons and also to make sure that differing viewpoints are represented on the bookshelves.
“We’re happy that people allow other individuals to read what they feel is important, even if they may not agree with what’s in the book,” Stetina said.
Contact Käri Knutson at kknutson@winonadailynews.com or (507) 453-3523.
Megan wrote on Oct 4, 2007 7:41 PM: