banned books

The Woodstock Film Festival will present a special Book Banning and Freedom of Expression event featuring a screening of The Librarians, a powerful new film by acclaimed director Kim A. Snyder, followed by a post-screening conversation with the filmmaker at Upstate Films Orpheum Theatre on August 8th in Saugerties.

Massachusetts lawmakers are once again pushing bills to protect books and librarians in the face of ongoing “book challenges.” The bills have previously gone before committees and fell short, but as advocates point out, changes in Washington and Supreme Court decisions bring new urgency.

The non-profit movie theater and public library system in Great Barrington, Massachusetts are collaborating on a film series highlighting adaptations of banned books.

Public libraries would be required to adopt clear policies to receive state funds

There will be a celebration on Wednesday August 24th for the launch of Little Liberty Library, a free library box in Caffe Lena's courtyard in Saratoga Springs dedicated to frequently banned books. Admission is a banned book or a donation to keep the library stocked.For more than 60 years, Caffe Lena has not only cared for free speech but presented a safe haven for it on stage—whether in the form of music, theater or the spoken word.The current national uptick in efforts to ban controversial books from libraries is a way to suppress conversation; to tame our ability to think for ourselves. This celebration will open and close with music by Dan Berggren. Twelve authors will each read for 3-5 minutes from titles that have been banned or challengedJoining us: Free Banned Books! Organizer Pat Nugent, Executive Director of Caffe Lena Sarah Craig, and Director of the New York State Writers Institute Paul Grondahl.

Attempts to remove books from school libraries have increased, recently -- spurred by activism from conservative parent groups and resistance to teaching socially progressive ideas in schools.

Librarians want to make sure that when we pick up a book at the library we have a full range of choices. The American Library Association has declared…

WAMC's Ian Pickus and resident quizzer Mike Nothnagel focus on banned books.Last week's challengeThink of a famous comedian and a famous athlete each with…