ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – The Rockford Public Library launches an exhibit as part of Banned Books Week.
To kick off the library’s ‘Exhibit Explorations at Lunch’ series called “Silenced Stories: The Hidden Costs of Book Banning,” Dave Pedersen of Maze Books guided attendees through his curation of banned books.
Pedersen chose books that have been banned and/or challenged at some time. In his presentation, he spoke about why each book was banned and why it is “detrimental to our free society.”
“We’re excited to launch our ‘Exhibit Explorations at Lunch’ series with such a timely and crucial topic,” said Lynn Stainbrook, Director of Rockford Public Library. “This event exemplifies our commitment to fostering open dialogue and protecting intellectual freedom in our community.”
Some of the books Pedersen had in his curation include J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” and Maia Kobabe’s “Gender Queer.” Next to each book is a card that has the book’s title, author, release date, edition, and an overview of where and why it was banned.
The exhibit can be seen from Sept. 23 to 27.
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