from someone whose books have been banned:

Coming soon, from the American Library Association:

Banned Books Week

Celebrating the Freedom to Read

September 27–October 4, 2008

Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read is observed during the last week of September each year. Observed since 1982, this annual ALA event reminds Americans not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted. This year, 2008, marks BBW's 27th anniversary (September 27 through October 4).

BBW celebrates the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one’s opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them. After all, intellectual freedom can exist only where these two essential conditions are met.

and because I mentioned in an earlier post the fact that Sarah Palin had at some point attempted to remove some books from the library in the town where she was mayor ... I want to correct and/or amend that.   This is from the CBS news website:

The McCain-Palin team is continuing its pushback campaign against stories about VP nominee Sarah Palin that have taken on a life of their own on the Internet.On Monday, they sent reporters a memo in response to reports that the Wasilla, Alaska resident had tried to ban a lengthy list of books when she was mayor of that town.

"This is categorically false. The fact is that as Mayor, Palin never asked anyone to ban a book and not one book was ever banned, period," McCain campaign spokesman Brian Rogers said, directing reporters to campaign research "debunking this smear."

While the purported list is bogus, we do know that something happened with regards to Palin and at least a question about book banning.

Time reported last week, for example, that Palin asked the Wasilla librarian, Mary Ellen Baker, about the process for banning books. Baker was reportedly "aghast" at the question. Soon after taking office, Palin, according to a New York Times report, fired Baker, and news reports from the time indicate that Palin thought Baker hadn't done enough to give her "full support" to the mayor.

Palin reversed course on Baker's dismissal after a local outcry, and later said the discussions about banning books were "rhetorical."

I can understand why the McCain campaign is pushing back against a bogus list that's making the rounds. Deceptive claims are deceptive claims, no matter who the target is. But as long as McCain aides are talking about this issue, maybe they can answer a couple of additional questions, such as, "Why did Palin try to fire the librarian in the first place?" Or how about, "Why did Palin broach the subject of book-banning if she had no intention of trying to ban books?"

Comments

[O. Jimenez]

As a member of the much maligned "media elite" I'm in support of getting the story correct for the recod. As an ardent supporter of the freedom to read and the First Amendment, I find it worrysome that a Governor of a state would even entertain the idea of banning books.

[Hafsa]

Dear Lois,

My name is Hafsa and I'm almost fourteen now (jan. 11). I am so blessed that you took the time to read. I'm sure you probably have so many other messages to read. I guess the title worked. I tried to think of something that would get my attention if I were you. Anyways, I just wanted to share that you are my inspirtation along with Scott Westerfeld and Louis Sachar. I absolutley LOVE your stories. They're all so well written with a great plot and endings. The F.A.Q. pretty much answered most of my questions. I hope all those people that said mean things understand their losses, and I hope they never ban any of your books. If parents have problems with their children reading your books, then they should simply just explain that to their own kids. It shouldn't have to be your problem. Also, I know how you said you really can't show up at schools, and I completely understand. I was hoping you could someday, but thats fine. You're a big part of my life. While other teenagers would rather party and get in trouble a lot --you know? Like any other typical teenager would. I'd much rather read. Although, I'm not sure if becoming a writer would really be something I'd like to be one day (no offense). I just prefer reading more than writing. Actually, I'm hoping to become a phyciatrist or a nurse someday. I'm not sure how that's going to work out for me though. For now, I'm just going to enjoy reading books in my bed at night, secretly from my parents who think that I'm too obsessed and need sleep. I can't get enough of it. It's just that all your books have some kind of message through them. Kinda like a moral or a fable type, except somehow different. A word I can't really think of. I esspecially love the way you write about your characters. You make it sound so realistic. All my friends are kind of okay with me like this, but sometimes they complain about how boring I am. Can you believe it? If only they could see the excitement, passion and energy that's in me. It's great having something to depend on to help you guide through what seems like an endless hell in school (sorry for cursing). Some teachers just get me so pissed sometimes. The point is, no matter what I'm going through, either at home or school or anywhere else, there's only two things I depend on that I know never let me down. --great authors like you and music. The only two things that mean just about the world to me. -a book and song for every feeling I'll ever feel. How great is that? I'm so grateful for this freedom. Thank you for giving me that freedom. I'll try not to become too obsessed and try to focus on other things like education, family and friend relationships....whatever... I mean, I try my best at that stuff. Sorry if I'm boring you with my life like how my friends say. (hahaha) I'm going to just wrap this up. Okay, you're freakin awesome, thanks for this kick ass website that lets me send you this, and hope you keep writing. Don't let anything get in your way. Good luck in everything that you do. Okay, bye!!!

-Hafsa from New Jersey

P.S. - Merry (early) X-Mas!!! Can't wait til Christmas!!!!!!! I'm getting the book, "Midnighters: Touching Darkness" by Scott Westerfeld this year. Oh, and a bunch of other stuff like new shoes, a few albums, a giftcard at delias & hot topic, this thing that lets you text easily, and um...lets see...BRACES!!! I went to get my check up and they said I need braces. *sigh*