It's Banned Books Week

As we commemorate Banned Books Week, September 27-October 4, let's pause to reflect on former ALA President Nancy Kranich's comments about our frontline warriors against censorship, public librarians like Mary Ellen Emmons:

Faced with such dilemmas, librarians know that even the threat of censorship imposes a chilling effect on those who risk their jobs and reputations when they dare to confront efforts to deny the public's right to hold and receive diverse opinions. When we observe Banned Books Week this year, we celebrate heroes like the former librarian of Wasilla, Alaska, whose courage represents a measure of freedom. Fortunately, in public libraries across the United States, books, hated by some but loved by others, remain on the shelves because of the dedication and commitment of librarians like Mary Ellen Emmons, who proudly uphold their principles, even when called upon to stand up to those who bully and abuse power.

Read Kranich's editorial in The Nation, What's Daddy's Roommate Doing in Wasilla? [JH]