CHS Library celebrates Banned Books Week by asking for a blind date
Senior Nayeli Cobarruvias-Partida checks out Toni Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye” during the CHS Library’s celebration of Banned Book Week.
Colton High School’s Librarian, April Geltch, and Library Technician, Jose Calderon, have given kids the courage to read with this month’s book theme. CHS’ Better Late Than Never celebration of “Banned Books” week is back, but this time with a twist: this month’s event is all for “blind dates with banned books.”
Banned Books Week is an annual event that celebrates the freedom to read and draws attention to the banned and challenged books from all around the world.
In the fall of 1982, Banned Books Week officially made its mark by bringing children and adults together in celebration for the banned and challenged books.
“Parents are uncomfortable talking to their kids about the topic, but you know that’s what the books are available for so the child has a trusted source,” Geltch says, helping us understand one of the reasons behind Banned Books Week.
Since Banned Book Week is the annual celebration of the freedom to read, Geltch is putting up books for students and teachers to come check out and read. For the “blind date” part of this event the books will be covered and have a note on top that gives you a small description why the book you chose was banned. Alongside checking out the banned books there will be drawing contests and write ups on the books you chose for prizes.
Frequently challenged books include: “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas, “George” by Alex Gino, “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You” by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi, “Saga” by Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples, “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck, “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee,” and “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson. The American Library Association website has more details.
Recently, the CHS Publications Department experienced a major theft as over $20,000 in photography equipment was stolen from our studio over Spring Break. This included all cameras. Any amount you donate will help rebuild our program. Thank you!
Aireanna Romo is a freshman at Colton High School. She writes for the Pepper Bough.