‘Books unite us, censorship divides us’

Gibson Memorial Library joined the American Library Association this week in celebrating Banned Books Week. This year’s theme: ‘Books unite us, censorship divides us.’

Launched 39 years ago in response to a surge of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries during the late 1980s, Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom to read and brings awareness to books that have been challenged or banned in communities.

“It’s the one time of the year when librarians, teachers, editors, authors, journalists, we all stand together for access to information for materials and resources,” said Gibson Memorial Library Director Aric Bishop.

Reasons

Each book that is banned or censored is done so for the content within its pages.

“There are few common reasons that books have been banned or censored in schools, libraries and bookstores,” said Bishop.

Bishop said many challenges are based on current events. According to the American Library Association, some topics related to reported challenges include content about LGBTQIA+, anti-police or religious and political viewpoint.

The most recognizable titles that have been banned might surprise some as they are still commonly read in schools. These include “The Great Gatsby’ by G. Scott Fitzgerald,” “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger, and “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee.

“To Kill a Mockingbird, it was the language and it also had to do with racial relations,” said Bishop.

In 2020, the ALA reports the most challenged books include “George” by Alex Gino, “Stamped” by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds, and “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas. “To Kill a Mockingbird,” published in 1960, remains one of top challenged books for racial slurs, use of a “white savior” character, and its perception of the Black experience.

Challenge vs. ban

There is a differences between challenging a book and banning one.

“A challenge is when and individual or a group of people say, ‘I don’t like the content in this book,” said Bishop. “A ban is actually removing that material physically from the library or school or wherever it’s being challenged.”

Challenges are not limited to books. Individuals and groups can formally challenged any material – magazines, video, social media posts and programming they find offensive or damaging.

This year, the ALA has received 156 challenges – 73% are books or graphic novels, 14% are programs held in meeting rooms, 3% are social media content, 2% are displays or photos, 1% is films and 7% are for other reasons.

Half of the requests to challenge a book, program or other material are initiated by parents. Other challenging material include patrons, board or administration, political and religious groups, librarians and teachers, elected officials and students.

Bishop said in his six years of librarianship at GIbson Memorial and Southwestern Community College libraries, he has never had a book challenged or banned. When it comes to material presented at Creston’s public library, whether in the form of print material or programming, Bishop said it’s his job to ensure the public has access to it, regardless of his or his staffs’ personal opinion.

“It is up to each of us to defend our freedom to read and to access information and materials,” he said. “I encourage all Union County residents and Iowans to go into their library this banned books week and exercise their freedom to read.”

To check out some of the banned books in Gibson Memorial Library’s college, visit in person to see it’s display. More information can be found on www.creston.lib.ia.us.