UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — To take action against book bans, Penn State University Libraries is collaborating with Libro.fm and Silent Book Club to host a Banned Books Week Read-in on Tuesday, Oct. 6, in Pattee Library on the University Park campus. The free event offers students and community members the opportunity to celebrate their freedom to read.

The read-in takes place in the Leisure Reading Room, first floor Central Pattee Library, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All are welcome, and participants are encouraged to drop in and out as they please.

“As the saying goes, ‘free people read freely,’ and this banned books read-in supports that freedom to read,” said Emily Rimland, head of Library Learning Services and an organizer for the event.

Attendees can download a free audiobook copy of either “Banned Together” by Ashley Hope Perez, or “How to Defend Books and Why” by Danny Caine, both from Libro.fm, while supplies last. The event offers readers a chance to relax and read or listen to a banned book, check out books, make a button, or peruse the displays. Light refreshments will be offered to readers, as well as an opportunity to create a personal zine that reflects their thoughts on book bans.

Pen America's annual report on the state of books and censorship in the United States notes that libraries — particularly public libraries — have been targeted this year, and that censorship has ramifications for society.

“As pillars of civil society, public libraries are places of voluntary inquiry and should serve as unfettered gateways to the universe of knowledge,” the report said.

Browse the Banned Books virtual bookshelf in the Libby app to borrow and download ebooks and audiobooks to a phone or tablet, with a Penn State user ID and Libby account. For information about this event, including inquiries regarding accessibility and space accommodation, contact Megan Gilpin at mcg13@psu.edu or Monica Gingerich at mcg5660@pu.edu.

Penn State University Libraries is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Our events and programs are open to all students regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, or any other protected class.