Program Type:
At Home (supplies and/or written instructions provided)Program Description
Banned Books Week is an annual event dedicated to honoring the freedom to read. This year, Banned Books Week will take place from September 22-28. In celebration, Normal Public Library and Bloomington Public Library are co-hosting Banned Book Bingo.
Bingo boards will be available beginning Tuesday, September 3, from the Normal Public Library and at Bloomington Library's Help Desk, Bookmobile stops, and Drive-Up Lane. Participants will read books and engage in various activities listed on the Bingo spaces. Complete Bingo by filling in a row (vertical, horizontal, or diagonal) or by completing the activities in all four corners. Submit your completed board to any of the above listed locations no later than Saturday, September 28, to receive a sticker.
Enjoy the challenge and happy reading!
Questions about this program can be emailed to Molly at reference@bloomingtonlibray.org.
---
Banned Books Week focuses on raising awareness about attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. In 2023, the American Library Association reported a 65 percent surge in challenges to unique book titles compared to 2022, reaching the highest level ever recorded. A total of 4,240 unique book titles were targeted for censorship, along with 1,247 demands to censor library books, materials, and resources. The books featured on the Bingo board are the Top 10 most challenged books of 2023, according to the ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom.