BANNED BOOKS WEEK!

September 27 – October 3

What is Banned Books Week?

In 1982, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in the case, Island Trees School District v. Pico, ruled that school officials can not ban books in libraries simply because of their content. Shortly thereafter, Banned Books Week was launched by the American Library Association in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to specific books in schools, bookstores, and libraries resulting in restricted access, or that were targeted for removal. Annually, in September, this week has become an opportunity for supporters of the freedom to read to speak out in protest against the banning of books, and the harms of censorship.

What is KVML’s participation?

The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library began participating in Banned Books Week in 2011 when Vonnegut’s novel Slaughterhouse Five and a book called Twenty Boy Summer were banned from a rural Missouri school. KVML then shipped 75 copies of Vonnegut’s book to students at that school who requested them. KVML has been celebrating the freedom to read ever since.

KVML’s protest:

One highlight of our annual programming is the invitation of an artist, educator, or other passionate visitor to become our Activist in Residence, and actually “live” in the museum for the entire week behind a wall of banned books. This act protests the infringement of the right to free expression. Manon Voice, Indianapolis resident and poet will be our honored host who will take up the torch to educate and enthrall our visitors during this special week.

Other events (most virtual)

In addition to Manon (Sept. 29), other headliners include Slaughterhouse-Five graphic novelist, Ryan North (Oct. 2), IUPUI Professor of Education Dr. Lasana Kazembe (Sept. 30), and many more. For more details, see our exciting schedule below.