Celebrate your freedom to read during Banned Books Week Published Sept. 26, 2008 By Linda Haraughty Cannon Library director CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Banned Books Week has been observed during the last week of September since 1982. The annual event reminds Americans not to take the precious democratic freedom of speech for granted. This year the Cannon Library and the Fitness Center have teamed up to encourage everyone to celebrate their freedom to read by participating in "Go for the Burn" and "The Censorship Challenge" programs during Banned Books Week. Everyone can "Go for the Burn" at the Fitness Center on Oct. 1 from 11: 30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. by participating in a super-circuit course. The "Take the Censorship Challenge" tests one's knowledge of banned and challenged literature anytime between Sept. 27 and Oct. 4 at the library. Many bookstores and libraries across the nation join in the celebration with displays and readings of books that have been banned or threatened throughout history. These include works ranging from the Bible to John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men." Each year, the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom receives hundreds of reports on books and other materials that were challenged - their removal from school or library shelves was requested. The ALA estimates the number represents only about a quarter of the actual challenges. Recent challenged titles include the popular "Harry Potter" series of fantasy books for children by J.K. Rowling. The series drew complaints from parents and those who believe the books promote witchcraft. The challenges reported reflect a continuing concern with a wide variety of themes. Other challenged titles include "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain, for its use of language, particularly references to race; "It's Perfectly Normal," a sex education book by Robie Harris, for being too explicit, especially for children; and "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou, for the description of rape she suffered as a child. Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one's opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them. To learn more about Banned Books Week, visit Cannon Library or Fitness Center during Banned Books Week Sept. 27 to 1 Oct. 1.