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Free People Read Freely:
The ACLU of Texas celebrates Banned Books Week, September 26 -- October 3, 2009
NEW: Chapter banned books events listed below
The ACLU Foundation of Texas and its many chapters raise awareness of censorship -- and promote the free exchage of ideas -- during national Banned Books Week each fall.
The annual report, Free People Read Freely, of the ACLU Foundation of Texas Banned Books Project, is now available in its 2009 edition, and provides information about the books that have been banned, challanged or restricted in Texas schools during the previous school year. Look out for readings and banned books events in bookstores and libraries in your neighborhood.
 This year's is the 13th annual report, and includes an interview with H. G. Bissinger whose book, Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team, and a Dream, appears on this year's banned books list.
2009 ACLU of Texas Banned Books Chapter Events
Houston Chapter
What: Houston Chapter Annual Meeting + Banned Books Event
Where: Dharma Cafe, 1718 Houston Ave. (Corner of Houston Ave. and Crockett St.)
When: Thursday, Oct. 1 @ 6:30 p.m.
Featured speaker will be distinguished author Lou Dubose, editor of The Washington Spectator newsletter and former editor of Texas Observer magazine.
Buffet dinner will be served. Admission is free for ACLU members; non-members $25 at the door. Please RSVP.
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Corpus Christi Chapter
What: Readings of banned books
Where: Half Priced Books, 5425 South Padre Island Drive
When: Saturday, Sept. 26 @ 4:30 p.m.
Celebrity readers will include local radio pioneer Victor Lara Ortegon; Rev. Phil Douglas, Pastor Unitarian Church of Corpus Christi; Alicia Gallegos, Majic 104 radio; Monte Montana, C101 radio personality
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San Antonio Chapter
What: Readings and discussions
Where: Central Library, 600 Soledad St. (Downtown)
When: Thursday, Oct. 1 @ 7 p.m.
Authors Barbara Gonzalez and Jay Brandon will speak about freedom of expression and how censorship affects them as writers. Chapter President Patrick Filyk will talk about freedom of expression from a legal point of view and how the ACLU supports the First Amendment.
Attendees will get an opportunity to read from their favorite books that have been banned, restricted, challenged, or censored by Texas public schools.
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Why a Banned Books Project?
The ACLU Foundation of Texas Banned Books Project exists:
- To raise awareness about the level of book challenges and bans in Texas public school libraries; many people are unaware that schools continue to ban books today
- To encourage school officials to use professional librarian standards when confronted with a challenge
- To encourage other ACLU affiliates, library associations, and similar freedom of expression interest groups to conduct similar surveys in their own states.
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