Re: Banned books week

[Mary Ann Ryan <Makr25@AOL.COM>]

I move Banned Books Week to the weeks I do orientation, hang the new ALA
Freedom to Read poster and have a display of books from the Bible and
American Heritage Dictionary to Color Purple, Chocolate War, and Stephen King.

The last few minutes of orientation I talk to all 9th grade English classes
starting with what it means to ban things, mentioning favorite fairy tales
and Halloween stories that have been criticized and talking about Hitler's
book burning and modern witch hunts, reminding them that no one but their own
family has the right to try to restrict their reading. How would they like it
if the neighbors censored them? Reminding them finally about our
constitutional rights and their power to not allow anyone to erode those
rights.

They are usually very quiet except for shock over what's been banned and
questions about why for certain favorites.
Mary Ann Ryan, Librarian
Ketcham H.S.
Wappingers Falls, NY
makr25@aol.com

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