Lighting a Fire One Match at a Time

September marks a return to regular classes here in the United States. With the cultural focus on all things scholastic, it is also the time of year when our freedom to read is celebrated by the America Library Association’s Banned Books Week, which will be September 21-27, 2014.

Libraries, bookstores, and classrooms around the country create displays and hold events during this week to highlight classic and contemporary literature that has been challenged or outright banned here and elsewhere around the world.

It warms my heart to see the many wonderful displays and makes me happy as a reader and as a lover of the written word in all of its forms.

As a professional and part of the literary community, I am honored, flattered, and humbled when my work and my words inspire others.

Since Banned Books Awareness and Reading for Knowledge began in 2011 I have received emails and messages from around the world. Many are gratitudes for the articles I have written, some are examples of how students and teachers have been influenced by the cause. I have even seen many instances where the articles themselves have been used in formal classroom assignments from grade school to universities.

I have also been pleased to receive images of banned book displays proudly showcasing the rich tapestry of literature that this world has to offer. It is icing on the cake to also find that these displays also either include or prominently feature the articles and works from this column.

For example, this year brings a message from Sandra Drescher, from the Inkopelli bookstore in Tehachapi, California. She writes:

“I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your website.  It has been invaluable for me while I’ve been doing research for my store’s Banned Books promotion (I’ve credited you and referred customers to your site, of course).  I have also found the site to be interesting personally, and imagine I’ll be returning to it often.  Thanks for being here!”

Here are images of the display that she sent to me.

Sandra, I was so happy to hear your kind words and gladly share them with other lovers of the written word. Thank you for being another flame in the torch of freedom that pushes back the darkness of ignorance and intolerance.