Utah libraries standing against censorship and book-banning

SALT LAKE CITY — Libraries across Utah are standing up against censorship and book-banning, celebrating the freedom to read and access information through October.

September 18-24 is national Banned Books Week, established in 1982 to celebrate and promote free and open access to information. Utah libraries showcase their diverse and inclusive collections this week with displays and events across the state.

In Springville, residents can join a Book Club celebrating Banned Books Week. They will discuss Ray Bradbury’s often challenged book Farenheit 451, and topics around censorship in general.

The Mariott Library at the University of Utah will have several events throughout the week, starting Monday with a discussion which will be live-streamed and provides lunch for attendees. A trivia table on Wednesday will have prizes, games, snacks, and a selection of books and DVD that have been banned or challenged over the years. There is also a new exhibit in the Mariott Library celebrating U of U students free speech and academic freedom rights now through January.

Many libraries including Day-Riverside and North Logan will celebrate with prominent displays throughout the month. Washington County Library System will be offering a reading challenge as well as a display of banned books at the Hurricane branch.

The 25th Utah Humanities Book Festival offers a reading series called Reading Dangerously, hosted at public libraries in Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Park City.

Our Reading Dangerously Series is in partnership with the Tanner Humanities Center at the University of Utah and Pen America – Utah Chapter. For this series, we've gathered leaders from across the political spectrum and welcome you to discuss challenged books. Links in bio. pic.twitter.com/PCpT0LQHyp

— Utah Humanities Book Festival (@utahbookfest) September 7, 2022

More information and additional events can be found on the Banned Books Week website.