Each year, the American Library Association advocates for intellectual freedom with its Banned Books Week. This is a week highlighting books that have been challenged in libraries and schools across the country, bringing awareness to the topic.

Our library promotes the freedom to read, including challenging or controversial materials. During Banned Books Week, Sept. 24-30, you can stop in at the Truax Campus Creator Studio (Rm B3211) and make your own Banned Books Week themed button, using our button maker. We’ll also have a display of banned and challenged books available for checkout in the library.

Below, some of our librarians talk about their favorite banned or challenged books:

“Saga” by Brian K. Vaughn, Illustrated by Fiona Staples.

This graphic novel was on the ALA’s top ten most challenged books list in 2014. Now eight volumes strong, Saga tells the story of lovers from opposing sides of an interplanetary war who are on the run. It does contain some adult themes and language, which is part of the reason it was challenged in some libraries. I personally appreciated these for the original artwork and new spin on the theme of star-crossed lovers. If you enjoy graphic novels, it’s a creative addition to the genre. –Autumn, Watertown and Fort Atkinson campus librarian.

“Harry Potter” (series) by J.K. Rowling

The series was the number one challenged on ALA’s 100 Banned/Challenged Books list from 2000-2009. Complaints received on the books alleged occult/Satanic and anti-family themes, and violence. I, like many, adore this fantasy series. I love the depiction of the friendship and coming of age of Harry, Hermione, and Ron and enjoy being transported to their magical world. –Jennifer, Truax campus librarian.

“Captain Underpants” (series) by Dav Pilkey

I heard about Dav Pilkey’s book series a few years before I read them with our daughter. The series arrived on the list of the ALA’s most banned books around 2012 and has frequented it since. It’s pretty clear why, since Pilkey isn’t shy about poop and flatulence jokes. What we discovered, however, is that when your child is laughing while reading, she is building a much stronger connection to the printed word. And, by the way, “news flash” for horrified adults: everybody poops. –Matthew Coan, Truax campus librarian.

“Slaughterhouse Five” by Kurt Vonnegut

Vonnegut is one of my favorite writers, and this novel, largely inspired by his own experiences in Dresden in World War II, is one of my favorite books. Since its publication in 1969, it has been consistently on banned or challenged lists.

A judge in Michigan once described it as “depraved, immoral, psychotic, vulgar, sacrilegious, and just plain filthy,” forever endearing it to my heart. — Mark L, Librarian at DTEC, South, & Truax campuses