Let Freedom Read!
Check Out Your Favorite Banned Book From the W.I. Dykes Library
By Laura Wagner
Oct. 1-7 is Banned Books Week. This year’s slogan is “Let Freedom Read”—a powerful reminder that the freedom to read is still under attack in the U.S.
You can help protect that freedom by supporting library staff, educators, writers, publishers, and booksellers who continue to make banned books available, and by checking out banned books or books on topics that are frequently challenged from the W.I. Dykes Library or any Houston area library. Circulation data can provide proof of the need to keep these books on the shelves when they’re challenged and support ordering other books on these topics.
Harris County Commissioners showed their support for the freedom to read by voting to make the Harris County Public Libraries into book sanctuaries, a distinction intended to fight censorship, defend intellectual freedom, and protect the right to read, according to the Houston Chronicle. The resolution will ensure many books that have historically been challenged will be available to read at local libraries.
UHD’s Library showcased many banned books in a prominent display for Banned Books Week, and they’re always available for check out any time of year. Take a look below and pick up a copy today!
Banned Books Week is sponsored by the Banned Books Week Coalition, “an international alliance of diverse organizations joined by a commitment to increase awareness of the annual celebration of the freedom to read.” Visit BannedBooksWeek.org for more information. To support the freedom to read effort, visit the ALA’s Get Involved webpage.
Watch for The New Republic: The Banned Books Tour 2023, coming to Texas in October! Follow The New Republic on Instagram to find out details @newrepublic #TNRBookmobile #TNRStandsWithTheBanned and Eventbrite.
To talk with a librarian at W.I. Dykes Library, stop by the fifth floor of the One Main Building or visit the library’s webpage. Follow W.I. Dykes Library on social: @UHDLibrary on the social media site formerly known as Twitter and on Instagram, and UHD Library on Facebook.
The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is the second-largest university in Houston and has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974. As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive, four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates approximately 14,000 students, boasts more than 66,000 alumni, and offers 45 bachelor’s degrees, 12 master’s degrees, and 19 online programs within four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences and Technology. UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas.
U.S. News and World Report ranked UHD among the nation’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Applied Administration and Best Online Master’s Programs in Criminal Justice, as well as a Top Performer in Social Mobility. The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked UHD one of the best colleges in the U.S. for its 2024 rankings, with notable distinctions: No. 1 for diversity (tied) and No. 3 for student experience. The University is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military Friendly School. For more information on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit uhd.edu.
