The freedom to read is essential to our democracy.  As someone devoted to reading, Upper School Librarian Jamie Gregory dedicated her time during this annual event to planning and executing discussion and activities surrounding the power of reading and importance of intellectual freedom—

and the civic responsibility that goes along with these freedoms.

 

The Freedom to Read is a week-long event promoted by The America Library Association (ALA) each year.  ALA states, “We believe that free communication is essential to the preservation of a free society and a creative culture.”  Ms. Gregory visited Upper School classes this week to talk about book censorship, share statistics, and prompt some interesting discussions.

 

For those interested in delving deeper, Gregory set up a Google Hyperdoc to use as "stations" for exploring issues such as books in court, modern book burnings, and the Library Bill of Rights.  On Monday, September 20^th, 11^th grade students participated in a digital escape room Gregory created about book censorship.  She is even posting a daily trivia question on Schoology next week for students!  Students can submit answers through a ballot box in the library and win, none other than, free books as prizes.

This year, The Freedom to Read dates are Sept 26-Oct 2, but of course we celebrate intellectual freedom all year. Our educators play a vital role in informing children and young adults of their First Amendment rights and ensuring that these rights are protected and maintained in the library. Kudos to Ms. Gregory for showing young readers how to enjoy freedom.  We encourage you to read something new this week!
 
Trivia Sneak Peak: Which book was the #1 most challenged book in 2020?
(answer will be posted in next week’s Wire!)