Dear Editor,

Throughout the country, most children are starting a new academic year. Teachers are sending out their lists of required readings, and parents are beginning to gather books. In some cases, classics like “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” “The Catcher in the Rye,” and “To Kill a Mockingbird,” may not be included in curriculum or available in the school library due to challenges made by parents or administrators.

In support of the right to choose books freely for ourselves, the ALA and San Manuel High School Library are sponsoring Banned Books Week September 30- October 6^th, an annual celebration of our right to access books without censorship.

This year’s observance commemorates the most basic freedom in a democratic society-the freedom to read freely-and encourages us not to take this freedom for granted.

Since its inception in 1982, Banned Books Week has reminded us that while not every book is intended for every reader, each of us has the right to decide for ourselves what to read, listen to or view. San Manuel High School and thousands of libraries and bookstores across the country will celebrate the freedom to read by participating is special events, exhibits, and read-outs that show casebooks that have been banned or threatened.

The high school will display many popular titles that have been banned or challenged elsewhere in the country and world.

American libraries are the cornerstones of our democracy. Libraries are for everyone, everywhere. Because libraries provide free access to a world of information, they bring opportunity to all people.

Now, more than ever, celebrate the freedom to read at your library.Read an old favorite or a new banned book this week.

/s/Maria Lopez

Library/Media Specialist

San Manuel Jr/Sr High

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