Get to know the history behind Columbus Day!
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Library Hours: October 11th to October 17th
Banned Books Week: Surprise Podcast!
After hearing all the fantastic podcasts from Shirley Nuhn’s ESL 52 class, I was inspired to make my own! Thanks for staying tuned throughout the week, everyone, and keep reading!
“Hello everyone! And thank you for staying tuned for NOVA Annandale Library’s weeklong celebration of Banned Books Week. My name is Heather Darnell, and I am a library media specialist here at NOVA.
As a child, some of my most beloved books were also some of the most controversial. I can still remember campaigns to ban books such as Harry Potter and the Golden Compass from schools and libraries. Of course, adults commanding me not to read only made me want to read more, and it was through those books that I developed a love of fantasy and science fiction. They also inspired me to challenge my worldview and tap into my own creativity.
As an adult, I still find myself reading frequently challenged books. Saga, for example, is a sci-fi/fantasy graphic novel that made it to number 6 on this year’s most challenged books list. Saga is about lovers from two warring extraterrestrial races, and deals with complex but relevant themes, such as interracial relationships, racism, warfare, and pacifism. The characters are equally complex, often forced to walk a thin ethical line. It would be a pity to lose such a work from our library just because some found it offensive.
As a community college librarian, it is my duty to uphold information accessibility so that my students have the tools to think for themselves! College is a great time to challenge your own beliefs, to gain new perspectives, and to imagine a different world! And thanks to the freedom to read, you can do all of that at the library!”
Banned Books Week: Professor Podcast
Today we have the next podcast in our series celebrating Banned Books Week. Today’s commentary comes from Professor Shirley Nuhn, who initiated the Banned Books Week podcast project in 2009. Professor Nuhn has a background in scripting and voice work, and finds great joy using these talents to connect with students. We at the Annandale Library are grateful for her creativity and collaboration!
If you haven’t already, please check out our previous posts, which feature podcasts from Professor Shirley Nuhn’s ESL 52 class!
“Today, young adult books are often packed with complex characters and emotions–adventure too! I’ve enjoyed reading many of them, The Hunger Games, for example. Now what if a reader, no matter what age, is told, “Put that book away!” And then, the book is gone from libraries? Really discouraging, isn’t it? Those can be the effects of challenging or banning books. The way I see it, taking away books sets a negative example for young people. So easy. Just close the door on something if you don’t agree with it. But there is good news. Banned Books Week reminds us that the freedom to read is a gift. This year, we celebrate it September 27–October 3. To learn more, visit your library! I’m Shirley Nuhn, Professor of ESL.”
Banned Books Week: Student Podcast #3
It’s Day 3 of our week-long celebration of Banned Books Week, and we have yet another student podcast to share with you! Listen to ESL student Giancarlo Paredes give his take on the freedom to read.
Also, make sure to read posts from earlier this week to learn more about Banned Books Week and hear other student commentaries. Enjoy, and stay tuned!
“Are we going to ban books in the 21st century? Really? It’s so sad that some people still want to do that. I think that the only person who should decide what to read or what not should be myself and not someone else. When I am reading, I am not hurting anyone. Reading helps me to discover more about the world around me, improving my critical thinking and judgment at the same time. But somehow people believe they know what is right and what is not for others. What they don’t realize is that what makes this country different from others is the freedom of choice, the freedom of expression, and the freedom to read. Otherwise, we’ll go back in time to the Stone Ages and make no difference in the world. Books should not be banned. Even if we don’t like the content, someone else will find it useful. We should celebrate the freedom to read. Student Giancarlo Paredes from ESL 52.”