Maine Authors Exercise their Freedom to Read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Portland- On Wednesday, October 3 at 6:30 pm four Maine writers will join the Maine Civil Liberties Union, SPACE Gallery and Longfellow Books for “Free People Read Freely.”
In honor of Banned Books Week (September 29-October 6), some of Maine’s best writers will read selections from their favorite challenged works. In addition to honoring the First Amendment and celebrating our freedom to read what we choose, this event is a celebration of the amazing collection of people who call Maine home.
“Every time a book is removed from the shelf of a public institution it strikes a blow to the First Amendment,” said Rachel Myers, field organizer at the Maine Civil Liberties Union. “Maine is lucky to be home to so many fantastic writers who cherish the freedom to read what one chooses and are willing to stand up for it.”
The American Library Association reported that over 500 formal challenges to books were filed last year. Challenges are filed by people who wish to see certain books removed from the shelves of public libraries, schools and other institutions.
In August a woman checked out copies of the book It’s Perfectly Normal from the Lewiston and Auburn Public Libraries and refused to return them, citing what she claims is inappropriate subject matter including cartoon illustrations of naked human bodies. The Lewiston Public Library says it will issue a summons if she fails to return the book.
“Censorship is a very real and very current problem,” said Myers. “It happens here in Maine, but fortunately most Mainers value their civil liberties and will not accept censorship in any form.”
Who: Edgar Allen Beem, freelance writer, art critic and former librarian; Emilia Dahlin, winner of countless singer/songwriter awards including Portland Phoenix Best Music Poll (best female vocalist and best singer/songwriter); Patty Hagge, poet and Education Director at the Telling Room; and Lewis Robinson, author of Officer Friendly and Other Stories and winner of the PEN/Oakland-Josephine Miles Award
What: Free People Read Freely: An evening of readings in observance of Banned Books Week
When: Wednesday, October 3, doors at 6:30 p.m.
Where: SPACE Gallery, 538 Congress Street, Portland
This event is open to the public. $6/Free for members of SPACE and the MCLU.
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