By Mikhaila Dansby
Texas A&M-San Antonio will be holding their first Banned Books Week event 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 2 in the foyer of Main Campus Building and noon-2 p.m. Oct. 4 in the cafeteria.
The English and Sociology clubs along with the Women’s Studies Program and the University Library are encouraging all students to participate in this event.
Banned Books Week has been held nationally during the last week of September since 1982. The event celebrates the freedom to read.
Books such as “The Great Gatsby,” “Harry Potter” and “To Kill a Mockingbird” are just a few of the hundreds of books that have been banned or challenged. These books are regularly displayed during Banned Books Week to draw attention to the problem of censorship.
An open mic opportunity will be held Oct. 2 hosted by assistant English Professor Ann Bliss.
Students can participate by bringing their own banned or challenged books or read from the many books that will be provided.
“The American Library Association believes in the freedom of reading or judging a book whether it has been challenged or banned,” Bliss said.
Bliss held two poetry reading events last semester.
Assistant sociology Professor Vicky Elias will be hosting the banned book open mic event on Oct. 4. Unlike the first event, readings on Oct. 4 are scheduled and students are encouraged to gather and listen.
The University Library has a display of banned books available for students to read.
For more information call the University Library at 210-784-1500.
