By Luc Sigaud SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – National Banned Book Week is beginning all over the country as readers in the United States fight back against censorship. The event this year focuses on their assertion that “Censorship leaves us in the dark,” and a “desire to leave the light on.”
This week-long event started in 1982, when first amendment activist Judith Krug and national literature organizations sought to create a dialogue around a slew of books that were banned at that time. Since then, the celebration has expanded to include a general celebration of First Amendment rights.
The event extends to Syracuse University’s campus, where librarian Abby Kasowitz-Scheer is happy about the popularity of this movement.
“We just hope that people will pay attention to the issue and play a part in freedom to read and intellectual freedom so that people are exposed to all kinds of ideas,” Kasowitz-Scheer said.
Headlining the list of the most challenged books this year is George by Alex Gino, in part due to its inclusion of a transgender character. Thirteen Reasons Why, which has been turned into a popular Netflix series, and the Captain Underpants comic book series also feature on this year’s challenged books list.
