Program Description
Banned Books Week is an annual event that celebrates the freedom to read and highlights the value of free and open access to information. Scheduled in 2025 from October 5-11, Banned Books Week brings attention to current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries, schools, and bookstores. The week serves as a reminder of the importance of intellectual freedom and the role libraries, educators, and communities play in protecting the right to read and explore diverse perspectives.
Join us for a morning of engaging activities for all ages!
- 10am - Story Time in Community Room 2; Today's Super Saturday Story Time will include a Banned Books theme!
- 10:30am-12:30pm - Informational Fair in Community Room 1; participants will explore the library's informational fair to learn about silent censorship, your rights as a reader, how librarians choose books for the collection, and more.
- Enjoy games and interactive activities at various tables throughout the space.
- Grab a passport and visit all the tables to receive stamps. Once the passport is full, you will receive a small prize!
- 11:30am - Panel Discussion in Community Room 3; this panel discussion will feature individuals sharing their personal experiences with book bans and how censorship has impacted their lives. A Q&A with community members will follow as time allows.
Questions about this program can be emailed to Molly at reference@bloomingtonlibrary.org.
Disclaimer(s)
Hearing Device Assistance
To accommodate hard-of-hearing patrons, the library offers the use of assistive listening devices in each Community Room and in each Children’s Program Room. For these devices to work, the presenter must use the room’s sound system. For the clearest sound, make sure the device is unobstructed by clothing or jewelry and sit in the first few rows.
If you experience connectivity issues, please let a staff member know. A guide on using the assistive listening devices is available.