Banned Books Week is an annual event dedicated to honoring the freedom to read. This year, Banned Books Week will run from October 1-7. In celebration, you’re invited to participate in the Let Freedom Read Bingo Challenge.
Bingo boards will be available beginning Tuesday, September 5, at the Adult Services Desk, at Bookmobile stops, and via the library's Drive-Up Lane. You can also print your own Bingo board using this link: bit.ly/letfreedomread. Participants will read books and engage in various activities listed on the spaces of the Bingo board. To achieve Bingo, participants will complete 5 spaces in a row (vertical, horizontal, or diagonal) or complete the activities in all 4 corners. Submit your completed board to the Adult Services Desk, the Bookmobile, or via the Drive-Up Lane no later than Friday, October 6, to receive a sticker.
This program is being cohosted by the Normal Public Library, Prairie Pride Coalition, PFLAG of Bloomington-Normal, and ACLU. Enjoy the challenge and happy reading!
Questions about this program can be emailed to Molly and Mimi at reference@bloomingtonlibray.org.
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Please consider joining a Let Freedom Read Community Book Discussion from 6-7:30pm on Thursday, October 5, at the Normal Activity Center, 1110 Douglas St., Normal.
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Banned Books Week focuses on raising awareness about attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. In 2022, the American Library Association recorded the highest number of attempted book bans in more than 20 years, with 1,269 documented challenges to library books and resources. The books featured on the Bingo board are the top 10 most challenged books of 2022, per the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom.
