The Queens Public Library (QPL) will join libraries nationwide in marking Banned Books Week from Sept. 22-28 with a series of events and programs, reinforcing its strong advocacy for intellectual freedom as book censorship surges nationwide.
As part of the city’s participation in Banned Books Week, QPL will host several activities to engage the community in celebrating the freedom to read. These include a Banned Books Library Card design contest, open to artists and the general public ages 13 and up. The contest encourages participants to create artwork inspired by banned books or the freedom to read. The winning design will be featured on a special edition library card, which will be released in 2025. The contest runs from Sept. 23 through Nov. 30, with workshops available to help participants develop their submissions.
QPL will also host a Banned Books Movie Festival at select locations featuring films based on censored or challenged books, such as “Fahrenheit 451,” “The Hunger Games” and “Like Water For Chocolate.” Several of the library’s most popular banned books will be available for immediate download through Overdrive until Oct. 31, including titles like “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe and “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison.
On Wednesday, Sept. 25, QPL will host a virtual conversation with New York Times bestselling author Kirsten Miller about her satirical novel “Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books.” The event will be moderated by comedian and television writer Tim Barnes and streamed live on QPL’s Facebook and YouTube channels.
Ridgewood Library will celebrate the freedom to read with a Banned Books giveaway for all ages on Sept. 26 and 28. Titles such as “Strange the Dreamer” by Laini Taylor and “Dreamers” by Yuyi Morales will be available while supplies last.
In addition to Banned Books Week, QPL is partnering with ALA and the Association for Rural and Small Libraries to participate in the National “Freedom to Read” Day of Action on Oct. 19. This initiative will include events and rallies across the country, including in Queens, to advocate for the right to access books and information from diverse viewpoints. The event will also feature a #FreedomToRead social media campaign.
