El Paso Standard

EL PASO, Texas— The City of El Paso Public Libraries encourage everyone to participate in Banned Books Week, October 1-7, by exploring banned and challenged books at branch libraries.

Banned Books Week serves as a poignant reminder of the crucial importance of unfettered access to information and literature.

“In these challenging times, it is imperative that individuals exercise freedom to read and to openly access information. These habits allow individuals to form informed opinions, engage in critical thinking, and participate actively in society,” said El Paso Public Libraries Director Norma Martinez.

“When books are banned or restricted, it limits our ability to explore different viewpoints, stifles creativity, and hampers progress. The act of banning books not only diminishes our cultural richness but also infringes upon our fundamental right to explore the vast world of human thought and expression.”

The El Paso Public Libraries urges everyone to support Banned Books Week by practicing the following:

• Visiting the library or bookstore to explore banned and challenged books

• Participating in discussions and events focused on the importance of intellectual freedom

• Encouraging schools and libraries to embrace diverse perspectives in their collections

• Advocating for policies that protect the freedom to read in your community

About Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week has been an enduring tradition since its inception in 1982, championing the principles of intellectual freedom and the fundamental right to explore diverse ideas. It highlights the challenges faced by authors who have been challenged, censored, or banned in schools, libraries, and communities across the United States. These challenges often stem from concerns over content deemed controversial, sensitive, or challenging, making it vital to underscore the value of diverse perspectives and the free exchange of ideas.

Banned Books Week serves as an important platform to engage in open dialogues about censorship and the need to protect our freedom to read. It encourages individuals, libraries, schools, and communities to celebrate the power of literature by reading and discussing challenged books, thereby

promoting intellectual curiosity. 

For more information on banned books, as well as services and programs available at the El Paso Public Libraries, visit www.ElPasoLibrary.org.  

Original source can be found here.