Banned Books Readout

About this event

As book challenges and bans continue to rise across the country, "Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read." reminds us that access to information, diverse voices, and free expression are fundamental to a healthy democracy. Throughout the evening, local performers will read powerful passages from books that have been banned or challenged, illustrating themes of free speech, intellectual freedom, privacy, and the importance of resisting censorship. The program will also include a brief update on the current state of book challenges nationally, in New York, and in our local community. This event is presented by the New York Civil Liberties Union and Albany Public Library, in partnership with a coalition of community organizations committed to protecting intellectual freedom, including League of Women Voters of Albany County, Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood, and Albany (NY) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.