SL Public Library presentation addresses ‘right to read’

Storm Lake Public Library will host a public presentation on book censorship and the importance of the right to read.

The presentation coincides with the American Library Association’s annual Banned Books Week campaign. Guest speaker will be Willie Carver — author, educator and activist — appearing by Zoom.

The presentation will be Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 5-6:30 p.m. at the library. Everyone is welcome. Admission is free and no preregistration is necessary.

BANNED BOOKS WEEK has been marked since 1982, and this year takes place Oct. 5-11. The 2025 theme is “Censorship is So 1984. Read for Your Rights,” referring to George Orwell’s cautionary tale “1984” and its warning about the dangers of censorship

“The 2025 theme of Banned Books Week serves as a reminder that censorship efforts persist to this day,” ALA President Cindy Hohl said. “We must always come together and stand up for the right to read.”

The event is made possible by the Friends of the Library volunteer group and a grant from the American Library Association/Penguin Random House.

The Public Library has also compiled a display on the most banned and challenged books nationwide.

For more information on Banned Books Week and the right to read, see www.ala.org/bbooks.