In an effort to raise awareness for censorship and the freedom to read, the University of Memphis is helping the cause with a celebration of the 30th annual Banned Books Week.
This national event advocates the freedom to read books that have been banned or challenged.
A book discussion and readings from books that have been banned will be presented through Friday in the Ned R. McWherter Library rotunda from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The American Library Association sponsors Banned Books Week and has kept track of 100 challenged and banned books from years 2000 to 2009.
"This event is to help us dictate what we should read and how we approach the world around us," Dean of University Libraries Sylverna Ford said.
Ford said books are banned by communities, schools and libraries for various reasons.
The Office for Intellectual Freedom receives suggestions from local libraries and the media about prohibiting literature.
The ALA then receives those notifications to keep track of the books and promote the freedom of reading any literature under rights afforded by the First Amendment.
A book is defined as "challenged" when access is removed, mainly from children, due to sexual content, offensive or abusive language and if it is deemed age inappropriate.
University President Shirley Raines read a small excerpt of the Brothers Grimm version of "Little Red Riding Hood" Wednesday - an example of a children's book that was banned because it was not thought to be age appropriate.
Karen Weddle-West, vice provost for Graduate Programs, was also among the readers Wednesday, presenting the banned book "Song of Solomon."
"This book speaks about cults, slavery, ghosts and death," Weddle- West said. "The author wrote from experience, which brings another level of interest in reading banned material."
Parents are often the most likely to object to assigned readings in elementary and high schools.
"The benefit for college students is that book-banning is not a part of history, but it's happening right now," said Jennifer Schnabel, assistant to the dean for community engagement.
Schnabel said participants in Banned Books Week are fighting for individuals to have a choice to read what they want.
Rosie Bingham, vice president of Student Affairs, will read "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker today.
Following Bingham, other faculty members that will participate include Faculty Senate President Thomas Banning and Athletic Director Thomas Bowen.
The event will conclude Friday with readings from "To Kill a Mockingbird," "Catch-22" and The North Briton newspaper, Issue No. 45.
