Banned and Challenged Books

Celebrate Banned Books Week 2024 with University Libraries!

September 22 - 28

Asynchronous Events:

Explore Banned Books Displays

Description: Visit our Banned Books displays at various locations. Don't forget to pick up some exclusive swag items near the display areas! Displays can be found at:

• Thompson Library
• 18th Avenue Library
• Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences Library & Student Success Center
• Fine Arts Library
• Geology Library
• Music and Dance Library
• Veterinary Medicine Library
• Agricultural Technical Institute Library
• Lima Library
• Marion Library
• Newark Library

What are Banned Books: Research Guide on Banned and Challenged Books

Explore information and statistics about book banning in the United States: https://guides.osu.edu/banned-books

I Am Banned: The Characters Behind the Banning Virtual Activity

Location: go.osu.edu/bannedbooks24 

Description: Dive into the world of banned book characters with our virtual exhibit, "I Am Banned: The Characters Behind the Banning." This interactive experience sheds light on the complex lives of characters deemed controversial. Explore their stories, understand the reasons behind their challenges, and expand your view on literary diversity. Open to students, staff, and library visitors!

Monday:

Be a Part of the Story: Reading from Banned Books

Location: Thompson Library, Room 202

Time: 11 AM – 1 PM
Description: Stop by Thompson Library, Rooms 202 and 204, to read excerpts from banned books and explore the reasons behind their challenges. Engage in discussions with fellow readers, and if a book piques your interest, feel free to check it out! Enjoy light refreshments and exclusive Banned Books Week swag.
Special Feature: From 12 PM – 1 PM, record yourself reading from a banned book to be featured in an upcoming University Libraries video.

Understanding the Story: Who Decides What We Can Read?

Location: Room 165
Time: 1 PM – 2 PM

Description: Join us as Kate Roush, Assistant Clinical Professor for the College of Social Work, leads a workshop on who gets to decide what books are banned or challenged in our communities. Light refreshments will be served at this event. RSVP is required.

Tuesday:

Brain Break: Banned Books Week Edition

Location: Thompson Library, Room 149
Time: 12 PM – 1 PM
Description: Take a break with Banned Books Week activities and refreshments at Thompson 149. Check out other Brain Breaks happening this semester here: https://library.osu.edu/events/fall-semester-brain-break

Wednesday:

Be a Part of the Story: Reading from Banned Books

Location: Thompson Library, Room 202
Time: 11 AM – 1 PM
Description: Stop by Thompson Library, Rooms 202 and 204, to read excerpts from banned books and explore the reasons behind their challenges. Engage in discussions with fellow readers, and if a book piques your interest, feel free to check it out! Enjoy light refreshments and exclusive Banned Books Week swag.
Special Feature: From 12 PM – 1 PM, record yourself reading from a banned book to be featured in an upcoming University Libraries video.

"Why Ban Books?": Banned Books Week Keynote with Dr. Emily Knox (Hybrid)

Live Viewing: 1 PM – 2 PM
Description: Join Dr. Emily Knox, author of "Book Banning in 21st Century America" and professor at the University of Illinois, for our Banned Books Week keynote. Dr. Knox will delve into the current landscape of book banning in our communities, offering critical insights to frame this important conversation.

Thursday:

Be a Part of the Story: Reading from Banned Books

Location: Thompson Library, Room 202

Time: 11 AM – 1 PM

Description: Stop by Thompson Library, Rooms 202 and 204, to read excerpts from banned books and explore the reasons behind their challenges. Engage in discussions with fellow readers, and if a book piques your interest, feel free to check it out! Enjoy light refreshments and exclusive Banned Books Week swag.

Special Feature: From 12 PM – 1 PM, record yourself reading from a banned book to be featured in an upcoming University Libraries video.

Friday:

Special Event: Art Spiegelman and Françoise Mouly in Conversation

Time: 7:00 PM
Description: At the very first Cartoons Crossroads Columbus (CXC) in 2015, comics icons Art Spiegelman and Françoise Mouly received the Transformative Work Award for their underground anthology RAW. This year, they return to the fest for a delightful conversation with Bone creator Jeff Smith to discuss their illustrious histories in the field as well as the renewed wave of book banning across the country. Spiegelman is the creator of such comics milestones as Maus and In the Shadow of No Towers. Mouly is the longtime art editor for The New Yorker and is the founder of Toon Books. (60 mins.)
A book signing follows the talk in the Mershon Lobby.

This event is brought to you by the Wexner Center for the Arts as part of Cartoons Crossroads Columbus. More information, including ticket reservations, can be found here: https://wexarts.org/talks-more/art-spiegelman-and-francoise-mouly-conversation