About the Project

Chapel Hill Public Library, in partnership with Chapel Hill Community Arts & Culture, asks local artists and amateurs to make small (5” wide x 7” tall) original works of art on paper, inspired by books or authors that have been challenged, censored, or banned.

Based on their artistic excellence, seven of these works are selected by a jury to receive a $100 prize and become trading cards; artwork is featured on the front and an artist’s statement and information about the book or author are on the back. All entries are displayed in an exhibit at the library during Banned Books Week and beyond. Trading cards are distributed for free during Banned Books Week and beyond.

Banned Books Week is an annual national event celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of intellectual freedom. Held during the last week of September, it highlights the benefits of free and open access to information while drawing attention to the dangers of censorship by spotlighting actual and attempted banning of books. We coordinate this project to bring these important issues into the community’s conversation in a fun, interesting, and unique way.