Celebrities Show Support for
Banned Books Week
Sept. 25 to Oct. 2
With Performances at the
ACLU Freedom Concert
Oct. 4 Acclaimed Artist Chuck Close's Original Banned Books Posters On Display Throughout New York City Including a Prominent Wall Display On Avenue A and 11th St. Each year libraries, schools, and book lovers come together for Banned Books Week, celebrating America's freedom to read. This year, celebrities have joined together to show their support for Banned Books Week by participating in spoken word and musical performances at the October 4th ACLU Freedom Concert. Banned Books Week and the ACLU Freedom Concert both emphasize and defend the freedom to express one's opinion, in every form, whether it's the written word, a song, poetry or art. Renowned artist Chuck Close honors Banned Books Week and the ACLU Freedom Concert by creating originally designed posters featuring some of the countries most revered, compelling and controversial banned books over the years. From Gone With The Wind to Native Son to Harry Potter, America's most beloved books have been challenged and banned. Produced by composer Philip Glass, the ACLU Freedom Concert will feature performances by some of the most important names in entertainment. Including Mos Def, Paul Simon, Sean Penn, Robin Williams, Wyclef Jean, Lou Reed, Patti Smith, Nanci Griffith, Edie Brickell, Lila Downs, The Black Keys, Philip Glass, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jake Gyllenhaal, Tony Kushner and Sarah Jones. Tickets are on are sale at www.lincolncenter.org and at the Avery Fisher Hall Box Office (Monday - Saturday, 10am - 6pm, Sunday, noon to 6pm, or through CenterCharge, 212-721-6500. About the ACLU Freedom Concert | 100 Frequently Challenged Books 1993-2003 Timeline on Censored Music 1955-2003 ACLU: A History of Fighting Censorship Defending First Amendment Rights Ten Most Challenged Books of 2003*
(from www.ala.org) 1. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
2. Alice series by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
3. The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
4. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
5. Taming the Star Runner by S.E. Hinton
6. Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey
7. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
8. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
9. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
10. Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
*Why these book were censored |
