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Lib Loop: Banned Books Week at local libraries

Amanda Mongol
Lib Loop
The Truckee Library was built in 1972 on Levon Avenue.
SIERRA SUN FILE PHOTO |

In Libraryland, September is the time we reflect on banned or challenged books, known as Banned Books Week.

If you read my article a few years ago, you know that this is one of my favorite library events to celebrate. I suppose it is because it goes to the very heart of a librarian — the ability to read whatever you want, whenever you want, and however you want.

No institution or government agency should limit what you want to read. A well-read community is a well-informed community, and that is the community I want to be a part of.



Below is a list of the 10 most challenged books of 2016, and the reason why they were challenged. Some of them you may agree with and some you may not. The thing to think long and hard about is: Would you want your favorite books made inaccessible?

The Top Ten Challenged Books of 2016 are:



1. “This One Summer” by Mariko Tamaki and illustrated by Jillian Tamaki

Reasons: challenged because it includes LGBT characters, drug use and profanity, and it was considered sexually explicit with mature themes.

“Drama” by Raina Telgemeier

Reasons: challenged because it includes LGBT characters, was deemed sexually explicit, and was considered to have an offensive political viewpoint.

“George” by Alex Gino

Reasons: challenged because it includes a transgender child, and the “sexuality was not appropriate at elementary levels.”

“I Am Jazz” by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings, and illustrated by Shelagh McNicholas

Reasons: challenged because it portrays a transgender child and because of language, sex education, and offensive viewpoints.

“Two Boys Kissing” by David Levithan

Reasons: challenged because its cover has an image of two boys kissing, and it was considered to include sexually explicit LGBT content.

“Looking for Alaska” by John Green

Reasons: challenged for a sexually explicit scene that may lead a student to “sexual experimentation.”

“Big Hard Sex Criminals” by Matt Fraction and illustrated by Chip Zdarsky

Reason: challenged because it was considered sexually explicit.

“Make Something Up: Stories You Can’t Unread” by Chuck Palahniuk

Reasons: challenged for profanity, sexual explicitness, and being “disgusting and all around offensive.”

“Little Bill” (series) by Bill Cosby and illustrated by Varnette P. Honeywood

Reason: challenged because of criminal sexual allegations against the author.

“Eleanor & Park” by Rainbow Rowell

Reason: challenged for offensive language

I urge you during the month of September to add to your reading list a banned book. If you are having trouble finding a banned/challenged book to read you can stop by one of the North Tahoe/Truckee libraries and ask a librarian for help. We will be ecstatic to help you with this! Also, the Incline Village library is featuring a Banned Book Peep Show. Stop on by and have a look.

Incline Village

Wednesdays at 4 p.m.: Family Story Time! Enjoy books, songs, rhymes and movement activities while building language and literacy skills. Best for children up to 6 months old.

Thursdays at 11:15 a.m.: Toddler Story Time! Stories, songs, finger plays and wiggle action are part of the fun. Best for preschool-age children, but all are welcome.

Thursday, Sept. 14, at 4 p.m.: Paws 2 Read. Great practice for beginning readers. Read to a friendly dog and receive a free book.

On display: Tahoe Rim Trail Exhibit. Stop on by and learn something new about the TRT.

Kings Beach Library

Thursday, Sept. 14. “Computers with Carl.” Bring your computer question to an expert or just come learn a thing or two.

Tuesday, Sept. 19. Preschool Story Time explores an autumn theme. Books, songs, rhymes, and a craft.

September is “Sign up for a library card” month. Sign up to gain access to all we offer: e-books, Wi-Fi, computers, classes, fax, scanner, books, and more!

Truckee Library

Mondays, 4-5:30 p.m.: Free-Play at the Library (starts 9/11)

Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.: Toddler Time

Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.: Babes in Bookland

Thursdays, 4 p.m.: Preschool Story time with Music (starts Sept. 14).

Saturdays, Noon-1 p.m.: Lego Club (starts Sept. 16).

There will be a special tech program, Lego Mindstorms on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 4 p.m.

Tahoe City

Thursday, Sept 14. Story time hijinks at 10:30 a.m. for ages 5 and under.

Amanda Mongolo is Programs and Outreach Librarian at Washoe County Library System – Incline Village, 845 Alder Ave, Incline Village, Nev. She can be reached at 775.832.4130 or amongolo@washoecounty.us.


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