This week is National Banned Books Week, so you can expect some happenings at Old Books on Front Street.
On Sunday, Old Books had a "Banned Books Read-In" with a local focus. In Brunswick County, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian & The Color Purple have come under fire (here and here), so Gwenyfar chose these for the read-in.
Monday features a celebration of the anniversary of the U.S. Constitution, with a reading of the document plus cake and refreshments. In addition to the Constitution, a nod is given to the "International Right to Know Day" and "Ask a Stupid Question Day" observations. The fun-and stupid questions-begin at 6:30.
Gwenyfar is delighted that Gandhi's birthday falls within Banned Books Weeks this year, so Friday features more cake, yoga, and readings from the work of this champion of human rights. The birthday party begins at 6:30.
The week comes to a close with the Literary History Walking Tourled by Gwenyfar. This downtown tour features information about local writers throughout history. Particularly notable this week are the two Wilmington publishers who were thrown in the river for their work. The tour begins at Old Books at 1:30 on Saturday.
Top 10 Frequently Challenged Books in 2014-15 (nationally), in order of frequency: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie; Persepolis by Mariane Satrapi; And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell; The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison; It's Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris; Saga by Brian Vaughan & Fiona Staples; The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini; The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky; A Stolen Life by Jacee Dugard; and, Drama by Raina Telgemeier.
From the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom.