Annually, the American Library Association designates Sept. 23 – 29 as “Banned Books Week” to unite readers, librarians and publishers of all types to support the freedom to express and seek ideas – especially ideas that are typically viewed as unorthodox.

Throughout the week, a pair of tables at the library have been set up with a number of books on display that are deemed “banned.”

The tables also present quotes from various authors emphasizing the importance of having access to all books, despite how they are perceived by some.

According to the American Library Association’s website, libraries and schools across the nation annually participate in Banned Books Week.

“Banning books is a violation of our rights,” said Colette Roessler, adult programming and marketing coordinator of the library.

Roessler explained that book lovers’ support of having freedom of access serves in conjunction with bookworms also pledging their support of the First Amendment, which grants citizens the right to freedom of expression through speech and ideas.

Speaking of the Constitution, one of the Founding Fathers, Pennsylvania’s own Benjamin Franklin, was a publisher, himself. Just barely past his teenage years, Franklin was publishing The Pennsylvania Gazette in Philadelphia at the age of 23 and would proceed to found Poor Richard’s Almanack. One of Franklin’s books is also on the banned list.  

“What this is all about is showing (how) censorship and banning books is not a good thing,” Roessler said. “The public has the right to have access to all reading material.”