Campbell Library to host readings during Banned Books Week

Rowan University’s Campbell Library will celebrate freedom of expression and choice through readings during Banned Books Week on Friday, Oct. 3, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Pit of the Chamberlain Student Center.

Rowan President Donald Farish and his wife, Maia, will be among the guest readers during the event. They will read “On My Honor,” a children’s book by Marion Dane Bauer, at noon.

“The Lord of the Rings,” “ Gone With the Wind” and “The Color Purple” are three titles on a list – presented by the American Library Association (ALA) – of the most challenged or banned books of the 20th century. All were challenged or banned because of anything from religious concerns to language, according to the ALA.

“The (Rowan) faculty feels it’s important because it opens students’ eyes to the importance of freedom of speech and the existence of censorship,” Denise Brush, Rowan science and engineering librarian, says of the observance of Banned Books Week. “Banning and censorship is a problem in schools and public libraries. It’s an important issue for students to become aware of.”

Rowan students, faculty and staff will read portions of banned books throughout the event.

For more information, contact Denise Brush at 856-256-4977.