fbpx
Skip to main content

Let Freedom Read: 60 Years of Banned Books Event at Library Oct. 5

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Sixty Years of Banned Books will be hosted by Caffè Lena at the Saratoga Springs Public Library on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. in celebration of National Banned Books Week.

In partnership with the American Library Association, “Let Freedom Read” will feature seven local authors: Dr. John Brueggemann, Carol Graser, Patricia A. Nugent, James Preller, Dr. Minita Sanghvi, Dr. Gerald Stulc, and Stephen Williams. They will read from the top-banned books from each of the past seven decades, such as Slaughterhouse Five, Fahrenheit 451, and Amanda Gorman’s inaugural poem The Hill We Climb. 

Original music will be performed by Dan Berggren and Reese Fulmer. Videos advocating the freedom to read will also be shown, including a video message from bestselling author Salmon Rushdie. 

“Banned Books Week” was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores and schools. The annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community — librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas.  

Retired Glens Falls Post-Star editor Ken Tingley will serve as the emcee and introduce each of the writers.

Attendance is free, but reservations are recommended; last year’s program sold out. To support the Little Liberty Library in Caffe Lena’s courtyard, attendees are invited to donate a banned book. For more information and to reserve a seat, visit https://sspl.libcal.com/event/10667478.