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ACW, SL library seek submissions for banned book display

SARANAC LAKE — To bring attention to National Banned Books Week, an annual event celebrating the freedom to read and drawing national attention to the harms of censorship, the Adirondack Center for Writing has created a banned books cover design activity, the results of which will be posted in the window of ACW’s storefront at 15 Broadway from Sept. 18-24.

In collaboration with the Saranac Lake Free Library, ACW is building a Banned Books Week window display featuring artwork from Saranac Lake locals and visitors of any age.

Anyone can stop by the Adirondack Center for Writing or the library to pick up a coloring sheet, pick a banned book from the list and then draw their own interpretation of the cover.

“Censorship of any kind is dangerous. It suppresses free speech, new ideas, and innovation,” said Saranac Lake Free Library director Jake Widrick.

“Part of our mission is to provide free and open access to information and resources.

We celebrate Banned Books Week to raise awareness about this very serious issue, and reinforce the fact that we are here for everyone in our community.

And in fact, the list of most frequently challenged books makes for a great suggested reading list. Start there if you’re looking for your next great read.”

To be included in the window display, participants can drop off their completed coloring sheet to ACW by 5 p.m. on Sept. 22, and staff will add it to the front window to spread awareness about censorship and the power of books. The goal is to fill the entire window with book covers.

ACW will also make the banned books cover design activity the focus of their Third Thursday ArtWalk programming today from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Passersby can stop in and create a cover design for a banned book at ACW, using materials the organization will provide.

Participants who can’t make it to ArtWalk or don’t have the ability to swing by to pick up a sheet may also download the coloring sheet from ACW’s website and make copies as needed.

The books featured during Banned Books Week have all been targeted for removal or restrictions in libraries and schools.

While books have been and continue to be banned, part of the Banned Books Week celebration is the fact that, in a majority of cases, the books have remained available.

This happens only thanks to the efforts of librarians, teachers, students, and community members who stand up and speak out for the freedom to read, according to a news release from ACW.

Nine of the top 10 most banned books of 2021 are available to borrow through the Saranac Lake Free Library.

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