The Library hosts series of programs for Banned Books Week, October 1–7

SAN FRANCISCO, September 8, 2023 - Banned Books Week is October 1–7, and San Francisco Public Library is stepping into the national debate with a series of public programs and displays designed to raise awareness about the ongoing challenges to intellectual freedom. 

“While not prevalent in San Francisco, the increase in book banning across the country, particularly challenges to books that affirm LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities, is of grave concern to everyone,” says City Librarian Michael Lambert. “This movement to remove certain titles from the shelves of schools and public libraries is fundamentally un-American. San Francisco Public Library is lifting up Banned Books Week this year, because these threats to intellectual freedom are a threat to our democratic values. We want our patrons to get involved in protecting the ability for every member of our community to read freely.”

After a successful event last spring, the Library is bringing back PEN America’s Freedom to Read Student Summit on September 30, featuring a day of thematic workshops and activities designed to give high school students the knowledge and skills necessary to combat book banning and educational censorship to preserve the freedoms to read and learn in their schools, libraries and communities across the region and beyond. Trainings have been updated with new data and insights from PEN America’s latest book bans report, “Banned in the USA: State Laws Supercharge Book Suppression in Schools”. 

October 7, the Library and Litquake host a panel of children’s and YA authors who discuss what it's like to write as a creator whose work has been banned or censored. Authors include MariNaomi (Losing the Girl, Turning Japanese), Sarah Hoffman (Jacob's New Dress, Jacob’s School Play: Starring He, She, and They!) and Jasmine A. Stirling (Dare to Question: Carrie Chapman Catt’s Voice for the Vote), in a discussion moderated by Ian Hoffman. In addition, the Library hosts a series of banned book reading groups and letter-writing sessions, where participants can send a note to authors of banned books expressing how their work impacted their lives. Additional program details below.

In the Main Library’s atrium, patrons can cozy up in the Banned Book Nook and snap a selfie while reading something “subversive,” like Outlander or Of Mice and Men. Censored titles will be given away for free and available for check out. Visit the Main Library’s Children’s Center to see a moving display of the full text of Amanda Gorman’s poem, “The Hill We Climb,” with illustrations and a quote by the poet about access to it being restricted in Florida schools. 

Censoring Creation: Freedom and Restriction in Art, Music and Sports, a display on the Main Library’s 4th floor, highlights censorship of art, music and sports. Also on view, Imagine Being Arrested for Selling Poetry: Shig Murao, City Lights, and HOWL is a pop-up exhibit celebrating the remarkable Shig Murao (1926-1999), long-time manager of City Lights Book Store, who, along with Lawrence Ferlinghetti, was a principal protagonist in the 1957 HOWL trial. The neighborhood branch libraries also join the fun with their own creative displays featuring banned books. 

All programs are free and open to the public. More information at sfpl.org. See program details below: 

PEN America’s Freedom to Read Student Summit
Open to students in any level of high school, this full-day of thematic workshops and activities is designed to deliver the knowledge and skills necessary to combat book banning and educational censorship. Lunch will be provided. Capacity is limited and registration is open until Wednesday, September 20, 2023. For questions, contact institute@pen.org. September 30, 2023, 12 p.m., Main Library, 100 Larkin Street, The Mix, 2nd Floor

Banned Books Week Letter Writing and Button Making 

Drop in to the Library to create a "read banned books" button and learn more about Banned Books Week. Write to an author as part of the Dear Banned Author letter-writing campaign. Materials provided. October 1, 1 p.m., October 2, 4 p.m., and October 4, 4 p.m., Glen Park Branch, 2825 Diamond Street

Silent Book Club and Dear Banned Author Letters 
Bring your favorite banned book to read alongside others or read one of ours. Write a letter to an author of a banned book sharing how their book has impacted you. For adults & teens. October 2, 4 p.m., Noe Valley Branch, 451 Jersey Street

Banned Books Book-Tasting
Browse a selection of frequently banned and challenged young adult books. Stop by the teen area and discover a new book or pick up a banned books button. For teens. October 3, 4 p.m., Bernal Heights Branch, 500 Cortland Avenue

Wear Banned Books
Youth ages 12–18 use a vinyl press to create their own banned book T-shirt, jacket or mug. For teens. October 4, 4 p.m., Main Library, 100 Larkin Street, The Mix, 2nd Floor 

Dear Banned Author
Write a letter or a postcard to your favorite banned and challenged authors, sharing how their words have impacted you. For teens. Oct. 5, 4 p.m., Portola Branch, 380 Bacon Street

Panel: The Right to Read
The Library and Litquake host a panel of children’s and YA authors who discuss what it's like to write as a creator whose work has been banned or censored. Authors include MariNaomi, Sarah Hoffman and Jasmine A. Stirling, in a discussion moderated by Ian Hoffman. For adults & teens. October 7, 11 a.m., Main Library, 100 Larkin Street, Koret Auditorium, Lower Level

Paint Your Feelings About Banned Books
Let your sentiments on book banning unfold onto the canvas. Materials provided. Paintings will be displayed at the Branch if you wish, then collected at a later date. Ages 10 and older. Space limited. Reservations preferred: (415) 355-2898. October 21, 10:30 a.m., Ingleside Branch, 1298 Ocean Avenue 

Banned Books Button Maker
Celebrate Banned Books Month and learn about our freedom to read. Design and create your own button and make one for a friend. For children ages 5 and older. October 24, 4 p.m., Merced Branch, 155 Winston Drive