While we often take for granted the freedom we have to read whatever we wish whenever we wish, it’s important that we remember that that freedom is not universal. At the University of Memphis, we celebrate the Freedom to Read by hosting public readings from books that have been banned. 

Banned Books Week Readings  
September 29-October 3, 2008

Banned Books Week readings.  Some 25 faculty, students and others read from books which, according to American Library Association records, have been challenged or banned from library or bookstore shelves by groups in American society.  A celebration of the freedom to read without censorship.

Banned Books Week
September 28 - October 2, 2009, 11:30 am

Banned Books Week, sponsored annually by the American Library Association and the University of Memphis featuring a series of daily thirty-minute readings aloud from banned or challenged books by U of M administrators, faculty, staff, Friends of the Libraries, and other community members. For more information on Banned Books Week, see the website: http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/basics/index.cfm. 

Banned Books Week 
September 27 - October 1, 2010, daily

McWherter Library Rotunda:The American Library Association has identified the week of Sept. 27 – Oct. 1 as Banned Books Week 2010, the week in which libraries and other organizations celebrate the precious freedom to read. Apropos of Banned Books Week the University Libraries hosts 30-minute public readings from banned or challenged books in the McWherter Library rotunda beginning each day, Monday through Friday, at 11:30 a.m. and continuing through the last reading of the day.
We are cordially inviting you to participate in Banned Books Week 2010 by doing a public reading from a banned book in the McWherter Library rotunda.  For lists of banned and challenged books see:http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy /banned/bannedbooksweek/index.cfm

Banned Book Week 
September 26 - October 1, 2011

Ned R McWherter Library Rotunda. Celebrating the freedom to read during Banned Books Week.  For more information and opportunities to read from your banned or challenged book, please call 901-678-220.

Banned Book Week 
October 1 - October 5, 2012

The University Libraries observe Banned Books Week with public readings from banned or challenged books. The readings by faculty and administrators begin at 11:30 a.m. each day in the Ned R. McWherter Library rotunda and end around 1 p.m. Each reading is followed by a brief discussion of the book. Click here for the reading schedule. There is no charge to attend.