Description

Join VCU Libraries in celebrating the freedom to read. During Free to Read Week, we come together to support freedom of expression and equitable access to information for all, and especially to acknowledge books and other materials that have been banned or challenged, including recent trends in demands for the removal of public and school library materials largely written by and about people of color and LGBTQIA+ people. 

Upcoming Events: 

• Write a letter to an author
  Sept. 23, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m
  James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
  
  Write a letter to an author whose works have been banned/challenged. Authors whose works have been challenged or removed from libraries can feel sad, angry, frustrated, and misunderstood. Consider writing a letter to an author that has impacted you personally.  We’ll provide a variety of Free to Read postcards, stamps, and mailing addresses. 
  
  
• Silent reading party on the terrace
  Sept. 24, 3 - 5 p.m.
  James Branch Cabell Library 3rd floor terrace
  
  Join VCU Libraries for a silent reading party. We’ll bring a variety of books from our collections -- or bring your own -- so you can read quietly in the company of others as you support Free to Read week. Snacks provided.

• Free To Read Pop-Up Library
  Monday through Friday, Sept. 23-27
  James Branch Cabell Library Lobby
  
  In celebration of Free to Read Week, a popup library of selected books will be displayed. The popup includes titles from our collections that have been banned or challenged, as well as nonfiction on intellectual freedom and censorship. All books are available for check out. 
  
  
• Jurgen Comics Contest.
  Sep. 25, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  James Branch Cabell Library Lobby 

VCU Libraries challenges students to create the front cover for a comic book about a specific incident of art suppression or censorship. A grand prize of $1,000 is being offered. Come by our table in the Cabell Library lobby on to learn how you can enter, talk with the contest manager, and celebrate National Comic Book Day.

• Whiteboard Engagement
  
  Share your thoughts and questions about freedom of expression, challenged books, the First Amendment right to free speech (and to read whatever you want to), books you recommend to friends, and more as we ask for your input on our large public whiteboard. In Cabell Library, the whiteboard will be available each day between Monday, September 23 and Friday, September 27; in the Health Sciences Library, the whiteboard will be available Tuesday through Thursday. 
  

Illustration by Robertson School of Media and Culture Associate Professor Bizhan Khodabandeh