The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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October 4, 2007

Our View — Take a peek behind the caution tape

It’s impossible to recognize all the worthy causes marked by a national day, week or month designation. But there is one that we, as defenders of free speech, can’t let slip by without mentioning. Banned Book Week wedges itself into the shrunken, skeptical hearts of journalists.

If you take a look at the list of most challenged books compiled by the American Library Association, you’d understand why it’s so important to stand up for the right to read what we choose.

The “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling is not only on the list but is the most challenged book series so far in the 21st century, according to the ALA. These are the books that succeeded in getting 9-year-olds to turn off the TV for days at a time. Maybe there was an outcry from chiropractors afraid that children lugging around 500-page tomes would do permanent damage to their little spines. Librarians were thrilled that a new batch of enthusiastic readers was born.

The number of classics that have made the list is eye-popping: “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck, “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain are in good company along with multiple other must-reads.

Today’s readers might assume times have changed and that society today is so much more open to new ideas and stories. But the ALA says U.S. schools and libraries received written complaints requesting removal of 546 books in 2006, more than 30 percent higher than the previous year’s total of 405.

Instead of wringing their hands and worrying about the trend, librarians across the country have drawn attention this week to banned books by putting up special displays, distributing lists of challenged books and spreading awareness about the fact libraries are places to expand minds. In North Mankato, some of the books that have made the challenged list are wrapped with yellow “CAUTION” tape and put on display.

Now that’s a sure way to get curious readers’ attention. And that’s what Banned Book Week should be all about.

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