For a little history of censorship...

This lecture, to be given by Geoffrey Stone at ASU on 2/9/06 , looks like it may be interesting if you're local...

So That's Why People Support Censorship...

"The library represents a window to a larger world, a place where we've always come to discover big ideas and profound concepts that help move the American story forward and the human story forward. And that's the reason why since ancient antiquity, whenever those who seek power would want to control the human spirit, they have gone after libraries and books."

--U.S. Sen. Barack Obama

From "Obama fears 'Big Brother' over our shoulders"
BY RUMMANA HUSSAIN
Published June 26, 2005 in "Chicago Sun-Times"

Who Needs Censorship?

Who needs censorship when literacy levels are so low? Apparently a large number of teenagers don't even know how to understand what they read (I think it's safe to wager that the same applies to a lot of adults too). Maybe those in favor will give us a break and at least stop censoring the written word. Hahaha...so much for my wishful thinking.

Save the Libraries!

For my fellow knowledge-philes out there, check out "Don't Close the Book on Libraries."

Here's Censorship for You...

"I've been a librarian for 40 years and this is the only book I've objected to so strongly that I wouldn't allow it to circulate."

So says Mississippi librarian Robert Willits of Jon Stewart's bestselling 'Daily Show' book entitled America (The Book). And all because of a little satire... Read about it here. Walmart is also refusing to sell the book ("What a surprise," Kira says to herself sarcastically).

Literature, Censorship and Women

I finally bought Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books. I looked at it everytime I have been to the bookstore in the past year or so, but I never really felt like I had the time to read it. However, I am tired of putting off things I want to do so that I can do the things I have to do but don't necessarily want to do. A lot of us have a relatively long time to spend on this earth-- we may as well enjoy our time. Reading this memoir by Azar Nafisi is one of the first things I am doing in a long time simply because I want to. The book appeals to me because it involves a group of young women in Iran who gather to read forbidden literature (an empowering setup if you ask me). I'm interested to see how these women benefit from their reading group. I am starting it as soon as I get off the computer-- I will let you know what I think of it.

Set Your Books Free

I heard about this a while back, but then I forgot about it. BookCrossing is a website that encourages readers to release their books "into the wild" for others to enjoy. It's an adult scavenger hunt! I'm going to try to find a few releases and let some of my own go too. It looks like a great way to try books you normally would not consider reading. If you decide it isn't worth it, just rerelease it for someone who will enjoy it. What a great concept!