What’s your favorite banned or challenged book? Read it on video to celebrate the the 30th anniversary of Banned Books Week next week (September 30 through October 6).
The American Library Association is hosting a virtual reading of banned books on its Virtual Read-Out YouTube channel, and anyone can submit a video of themselves reading a challenged book. So far, they have collected 59 videos. Here’s more about the program:
Videos (no more than two minutes long) can be submitted by anyone as long as it includes a reading of a banned or challenged book. The video must include information on where and why the book was banned or challenged. You may also wish to add your thoughts on the importance of keeping that particular book on library or bookstore shelves. Videos of up to three minutes long can be submitted giving eyewitness accounts of local challenges. For those who are camera shy, you can still participate in the Banned Books Virtual Read-out by creating a video montage that centers on banned/challenged books. Thomas University created a video last year that can be used as an example.
You can also celebrate your freedom to read any book you choose at author Mike Edison’s Fifth Annual Banned Book Party at 92YTribeca with special guests Mike Albo, Kevin Maher, Joe McGinty and Judy McGuire.
Here’s more about that event: “Author and provocateur Mike Edison hosts the wildest edition yet of his annual party celebrating “Banned Book Week,” joined by the Interstellar Rendezvous Band. Twirling a beatnik’s brew of outer-space bop and dirty blues, the all-star band features drummers Bob Bert (Sonic Youth), Dee Pop (Bush Tetras, Gun Club), and keyboard ace Mickey Finn (the Left Banke), along with Edison on his patented set-for-stun Theremin.”