The Yahara Journal hosted an open mic and reading on Sept. 26 to celebrate your freedom to read. During the event, students read from their favorite “Banned Books” and group members shared Banned Books Week facts. In addition, the group is conducting Banned Books Week survey through Oct. 3 and selecting five winners to receive books. 

Established by the American Library Association in 1982, Banned Books Week brings together the community in shared support of the freedom to read. 

Books are being banned and challenged today at a higher rate than any time in the past 40 years, according to the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom. The group found that in 2023 alone there were 1,247 efforts to censor books and other resources in libraries. A total of 4,240 unique book titles were challenged that year. 

The Yahara Journal, Madison College’s literary and fine arts journal, holds events during September and early October in solidarity with the American Library Association.  

Students can participate in the Yahara Journal’s book drawing by completing the groups online Banned Books Week quiz by Oct. 3, 2024. Take the quiz at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/87DKKTS.