Readings from Banned Books

Readings from Banned Books

Readings from Banned Books begins at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at the Old Forge Library located at 220 Crosby Road, Old Forge, NY.

The Old Forge Library, located at 220 Crosby Blvd., will participate in the American Library Association’s Banned Books Week with a special event titled “Reading Banned Books” on Tuesday, October 7 at 5 pm.

Community members of all ages are invited to take part by reading a brief passage from a banned or challenged book or simply attending to listen and reflect as others share their selections. Whether it’s a childhood favorite, a classic novel, or a contemporary title, each reading will honor the enduring power of literature to challenge, inspire, and provoke meaningful dialogue.

Some of the most beloved and well-known banned books include To Kill a Mockingbird, The Catcher in the Rye, The Color Purple, 1984, The Handmaid’s Tale, The Hate U Give, and the Harry Potter series. These titles, among many others, have been challenged for their themes but continue to resonate with readers of all ages.

This event is part of a national celebration of the freedom to read and a stand against censorship. Banned Books Week, launched in 1982 in response to a growing number of book challenges in libraries, schools, and bookstores, continues to raise awareness about efforts to restrict access to books and ideas. The American Library Association (ALA), a founding member of the Banned Books Week Coalition, remains committed to defending intellectual freedom and ensuring diverse voices remain available to readers everywhere.

To sign up to read a short passage, please call 315-369-6008 or email oldforge@midyork.org. Walk-ins are welcome, whether you’d like to read or simply listen.