Banned Books Features
This is my collection of audio projects aiming to spread awareness about book censorship. Year after year, book banning reaches an all time high, rising to levels that exceedingly surpass previous records. For 2023, the American Library Association reported that challenges of unique book titles increased by 65% compared to 2022: with over 4,000 unique titles and 9,000 total titles being challenged.
When books are censored from libraries, yes, words on paper are taken away. But we also lose stories that create escapes from reality, we lose experiences that help us feel less alone, and we lose perspectives that can change and expand our minds.
Take a listen by clicking any of the links to the right!
Year after year, book banning reaches an all time high, rising to levels that exceedingly surpass previous records. Usually, the media focuses on the extremes: states that lean conservative. However, when we focus on these extremes, we overlook that book censorship is happening in all states, including in Washington. This podcast explores the attempted library closure in Dayton, Washington, as book banning is an epidemic that limits our freedom to read.
King's Books Banned Book Club
Feature with David Raff, Banned Books Club Coordinator at Kings Books in Tacoma, WA.
Celebrating National Banned Books Week at MIHS
Feature with high school librarian about how MIHS is celebrating and recognizing Banned Books Week,
Washington State Librarian Sara Jones
Feature with Washington State Librarian Sara Jones. She talks about what her role entails, her experiences with book banning, and how she supports librarians facing censorship challenges across the state.