Over the last several years, there has been a significant rise in censorship activities in the United States resulting in books being removed from library shelves because they conflict with an individual’s political, cultural, or religious beliefs. Across the country, and right here in the Township, libraries are taking a stand and banding together against banned books.
“The freedom to read is a human right, constitutionally protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, and individuals have the right to free inquiry and the equally important right to form their own opinions,” said Allan Kleiman, director of the Edison Public Library.
“Books do not require readers to agree with topics or themes but instead allow readers to explore and engage with differing perspectives to form and inform their own views,” he added.
Earlier this year, the Edison Public Library officially declared itself as a Book Sanctuary and committed to being a place where people can borrow and read challenged books and where endangered books will remain accessible.
“Librarians are professionals trained to not impose their personal thoughts and opinions on which ideas are right, but to make knowledge and ideas available so that people have the freedom to choose what to read,” Kleiman said.
As we gear up to celebrate Banned Books Week (2024) along with Let Freedom Read Day (September 28), the Edison Public Library is embracing this year’s theme ‘Freed Between the Lines,’ by highlighting some of these banned or censored titles.
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