A local chapter of the English honor society, Sigma Tau Delta, is hosting several events for Banned Books Week, which is Sept. 21 through 26.
Banned Books Week is an awareness movement started by the American Library Association to celebrate the freedom to read all books, whether they’re orthodox or not.
Sigma Tau Delta is aiming to bring awareness to Banned Books Week, which has not had a large presence in Turlock, by planning several events.
“We have several ideas in the works,” said Alpha Mu Xi chapter President Noel Daniel. “We have approached the Stanislaus County Library here in Turlock with the intention of ‘proclaiming’ it—which is to say that we intend to make a public proclamation that all books will be carried without fear of censorship.”
Sigma Tau Delta will be hosting a dramatic reading of Lysistrata on Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Mainstage Theatre at the California State University, Stanislaus, which will be directed by Kimberly Helm and co-directed by Michael Souto.
There will also be a “read-out” held at Lightly Used Books, located at 141 N. Center St., from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 27. Members of Sigma Tau Delta will read banned literature such as “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “1984,” “Cat’s Cradle,” and others.
“This is a very serious issue and requires the due amount of gravity,” said Daniel. “Censoring an individual’s ideas is wrong, whether or not it’s on paper.”
Banned Books Week merchandise will be available at the events, as well as bookmarks and flyers.
“Go out and read something,” said Dr. Scott Davis, Chair of the English Department at CSU Stanislaus. “Greatness relies on writing.”
Those interested in more information — or in supporting Sigma Tau Delta — can contact the Alpha Mu Xi chapter president at 209-568-0810 or visit their Facebook page. For more information about Banned Books Week, visit www.ala.org/bbooks/bannedbooksweek.
