This Banned Books Week, Chicago Public Library (CPL) invites Chicagoans to take a stand for the freedom to read, headlined by a major event at Woodson Regional Library on Friday, September 27, featuring Penguin Random House's "Banned Wagon." As part of its ongoing commitment to intellectual freedom, CPL has also launched several impactful initiatives to protect access to challenged books, including the Altar for the Unbanned installation and the Book Sanctuary project.
Woodson Regional Library will be the heart of Banned Books Week activities, where the Banned Wagon will make a special stop from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chicagoans are invited to pick up free copies of banned or challenged books (while supplies last), explore the library's programs celebrating the power of reading, and discover the critical role libraries play in defending the right to read.
"We're thrilled to partner with Penguin Random House to bring the Banned Wagon to Woodson Regional Library!" says Library Commissioner Chris Brown, "As the nation's first Book Sanctuary and pioneers of intellectual freedom, protecting the Freedom to Read is in our DNA. Join us to celebrate the books that challenge, inspire, and shape our world—because reading freely matters."
Woodson Regional Library, a place of historical significance and home to the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection—the largest African American history and literature archive in the Midwest—serves as an especially meaningful venue for this event. The collection houses significant works by African American authors, many of which have been historically banned or challenged due to their focus on race, civil rights, and social justice. The day's programming will provide an engaging platform for dialogue around these issues, fostering a sense of connection and understanding.
Beyond Banned Books Week, Chicago Public Library remains steadfast in its commitment to championing the freedom to read year-round in powerful ways:
- Altar for the Unbanned: This installation, created by renowned artist Theaster Gates, is on display at Harold Washington Library. Commissioned by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), Gates installation pays tribute to and displays the many voices and stories that have been challenged or silenced. Visitors are invited to come see the installation, check out a book and reflect on the importance of keeping those voices alive.
- Book Sanctuary: CPL launched booksanctuary.org, opens a new window to spark thoughts about banned or challenged books and calls upon individuals and organizations to establish their own Book Sanctuaries. By establishing these sanctuaries, participants join a growing movement to protect access to banned and challenged books, showing that the freedom to read is important for all.
Chicago Public Library's programming will also include a new display at the Vivian G. Harsh Collection at Woodson Regional Library titled Celebrating the Freedom to Read: The Legacy of Charlemae Hill Rollins. This display honors Rollins's decades-long work as a children's librarian and advocate for changing the image of African Americans in children's literature. Her papers include correspondence, scrapbooks, clipping files, memorabilia, photographs and published and unpublished essays, as well as Rollins's personal library.
During the Banned Wagon event, attendees can explore a selection of 20 banned and challenged books, including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou, The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, and The Color Purple by Alice Walker. These books, along with others, will be distributed for free (while supplies last).
Chicagoans are encouraged to visit both Woodson Regional Library for the Banned Wagon and Harold Washington Library to experience the Altar for the Unbanned, and establish their own Book Sanctuary by visiting booksanctuary.org, opens a new window. By participating, they can take an active role in showing their support in standing up for intellectual freedom.
Please visit our website, opens a new window for more information on the Banned Wagon event activities.
About Chicago Public Library
Since 1873, Chicago Public Library (CPL) has encouraged lifelong learning by welcoming all people and offering equal access to information, entertainment, and knowledge through innovative services, programs, and technology. Through its 81 locations, the Library provides free access to a rich collection of materials, both physical and digital, and presents the highest quality author discussions, exhibits, and programs for children, teens, and adults. For more information, please call (312) 747-4300 or visit chipublib.org, opens a new window. To follow CPL on social media, visit us on Twitter (@chipublib, opens a new window), Facebook (@chipublib, opens a new window), or Instagram (@chicagopubliclibrary, opens a new window).
About Penguin Random House
Penguin Random House, the world’s largest trade book publisher, is dedicated to its mission to ignite a universal passion for reading by creating books for everyone. The company, which employs more than 10,000 people globally, was formed on July 1, 2013, by Bertelsmann and Pearson. As of April 1, 2020, Bertelsmann is full owner of the company. With more than 300 imprints and brands on six continents, Penguin Random House comprises adult and children’s fiction and nonfiction print and digital English- German- and Spanish-language trade book publishing businesses in more than 20 countries worldwide. With over 16,000 new titles, and more than 700 million print, audio and eBooks sold annually, Penguin Random House’s publishing lists include more than 80 Nobel Prize laureates and hundreds of the world’s most widely read authors.
