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Events Archive: 2025-26

Free to Read Week

Description

During Free to Read Week, VCU Libraries offers activities in support of freedom of expression and access to information for all. The libraries especially acknowledge books and other materials that have been banned or challenged based on their content, and uplift the importance of unfettered access to reading materials.

Whiteboard Engagement
Oct. 6-10, 2025
James Branch Cabell Library lobby 

  • Add your voice to the whiteboard in Cabell’s Lobby about the freedom to read. 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), and books you recommend to friends. The whiteboard will be available daily.

Free To Read Pop-Up Library
Oct. 6 - 10, 2025
James Branch Cabell Library lobby 

  • Book challenges may seem more common in school or public libraries, but academic libraries are not an exception. In April 2025, 381 books were removed from the U.S. Naval Academy's Nimitz Library due to an executive order to end DEIA in schools. In celebration of Free to Read Week, a popup library of targeted books will be displayed on the second floor of Cabell Library at the top of the Starbucks staircase. All books are available for check out.

Write a Postcard to an Author
Oct. 6, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
James Branch Cabell Library lobby

  • Write a postcard 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 to an author whose work has mattered to you. VCU Libraries will provide Free to Read postcards, stamps and mailing addresses.

Silent Reading Party on the Terrace
Oct. 7, 4 - 6 p.m. 
James Branch Cabell Library Third Floor Terrace

  • Join VCU Libraries Tuesday, October 7 at 4-6 p.m. on the Cabell Library third floor terrace for a silent reading party.  A variety of books from our collection will be provided, or bring your own so you can read quietly in the company of others as you support Free to Read week. Snacks provided. Rain location: 3rd floor boardroom, room 311.

Jurgen Comics Contest
Oct. 8, 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 offered. Visit the table in the Cabell Library lobby on Wednesday, October 8, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to see past winners' artwork and learn how you can enter. 

Censorship in Virginia Libraries Oral Histories

Explore this new oral history collection for insights about censorship in the commonwealth. Developed in partnership with the Virginia Library Association, the collection captures the personal and professional experiences of librarians, staff and advocates across Virginia as they faced rising book challenges and censorship efforts in the early 2020s. Through candid interviews, it documents the emotional toll, varied perspectives on censorship and the resilience of those defending intellectual freedom in libraries.

For more information or to register offline please contact Ryan Larson, event manager at rbpander@vcu.edu or 804-828-0593.

Image by Assistant Professor Bizhan Khodabandeh