Utah State Library Youth Services

Banned Books Week takes place September 24-October 1 this year. Banned Book Week is an annual opportunity to discuss intellectual freedom and the guarantee of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution that states

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

In the age of Social Media it seems easier than ever for individuals to pressure schools to take certain materials off the shelves of their libraries and out of their curriculum. Teen author Chris Crutcher has written on his blog about several examples of his materials being challenged.

Banned Books Week is a fantastic opportunity to discuss with your students about the ramifications of censorship. Why are certain books targeted? Who should determine what writings students have the opportunity to read? Why do we so frequently allow the loudest voices to win the argument?

The American Library Association say on it’s Banned Books Week web page:

Intellectual freedom—the freedom to access information and express ideas, even if the information and ideas might be considered unorthodox or unpopular—provides the foundation for Banned Books Week. BBW stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints for all who wish to read and access them.

Check out the resources, discussion ideas, and lists of banned books on the ALA website. Perhaps you will want to join the discussion or create a display in your library to get your patrons thinking about this topic.

It’s still the middle of the summer, but the annual Letters About Literature writing contest is coming soon! The Utah Center for the Book duties are now being led by the Utah Humanities Council. The Utah State Library is coordinating activities for Letters About Literature in Utah.

We are fortunate to have the Salt Lake Community College Community Writing Center as a partner this year. They will host a two-day workshop to help youth in 4th-12th grades to develop a reflective, personal letter to any author that explains how that author’s book inspired a change in the student’s life. The workshop will take place on October 8 and 15, 1-3 pm both days. Register by contacting the Community Writing Center at 801-957-2192.

Information packets should be available in early September and contest entries are due by January 6, 2012.

More information will be posted when it is available!

According to the periodical American Profile, “New U.S. Census data shows Utah has one of the youngest populations of any of the 50 states, with nearly one in 10 people under the age of 5 and with a median age of under 30, the lowest median age in the nation. Census information also shows that nearly one-third of Utah’s residents are under the age of 18.” (March 6-12, 2011, p. 12)

I’ve received a number of inquiries about the Early Literacy Station offered by AWE. I’ve been in touch with their rep, Melissa Congdon, and she’s let me know that they are available at a reduced rate in February 2011. For the rest of the month, the English station, with 45 software titles, 19″ touch-screen monitor, keyboard, mouse, and printer is available for $2,150. The Bilingual English/Spanish version has 31 titles and costs $2,250. Please contact Matt McLain at the State Library, (801) 715-6742, for more information.

Here are some resources and information about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“I Have A Dream” speech given by Martin Luther King, Jr. at the March on Washington, August 28, 1963. Includes video, audio, and full text.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University, including the King Papers Project.

Information from Infoplease about Martin Luther King Day, including a biography of Dr. King, major events in the civil rights movement, and quotes from Dr. King and other civil rights leaders.

The Seattle Times Martin Luther King, Jr. website.

Reaffirming Equal Opportunity–Events sponsored by the University of Utah commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr. and advocating human rights.

Check out Provo City Library’s Book Review Blog. Their librarians review picture books, chapter books, and children’s nonfiction. You’ll definitely get ideas for recommended reads as you browse the blog.