GRAND HAVEN, Mich. — Every year the American Library Association celebrates the right to read with Banned Books Week. Banned Books Week is the first week of October.
This year, the Loutit Library in Grand Haven is celebrating all month long. This year's Banned Books Week theme is "Let Freedom Read." The Loutit Library invites the community to learn about new perspectives and celebrate the freedom to read with books that have been challenged or banned throughout the years.
"It's really important to recognize what censorship can look like in your community, so that you can report it and ensure that these materials are still available for you and the other people in your community who want to access the use. So you don't have to read everything, but you should have the right to read whatever you would like," said Katie Alphenaar, head of reference and information at Loutit Library.
The library has an educational exhibit on their upper level, however, they said they also will display frequently challenged or banned books throughout the library during October.
By rereading your favorite banned books or even discovering a new title you can earn points. Earing 250 and two activity badges will get you a Banned Books magnet as well as a choice of an exclusive Loutit Banned Books prize and an automatic entry into the Banned Books Grand Prize drawing.
The library is encouraging everyone to participate.
Entry is free and you don't even need a library card unless you want to check out a book.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and on your phone.