SJCPL Launches ‘Open For All’ Initiative to Celebrate Banned Books Week

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SOUTH BEND — As part of this year’s Banned Books Week, the St. Joseph County Public Library (SJCPL) has introduced the “SJCPL — Open For All” initiative, featuring special displays and curated booklists at all its branches through Saturday, Sept. 28. This effort aims to raise awareness about censorship and promote intellectual freedom by showcasing a wide range of perspectives on political, social, and historical topics, according to a press release.

Banned Books Week, an annual event spearheaded by the American Library Association (ALA), highlights the growing number of challenges to books in public libraries and schools. In 2023, the ALA reported a record-breaking 4,240 works targeted for removal, with 47% of those containing LGBTQ+ or racial themes, USA Today noted. This surge in censorship has ignited debates over free speech and access to information, issues SJCPL seeks to address through its initiative.

“In a time when censorship and book challenges are becoming more common, SJCPL stands firmly in support of intellectual freedom,” the library said in its statement. "Books should not be banned or removed because they present a perspective someone might disagree with."

SJCPL’s displays emphasize the library’s commitment to offering diverse viewpoints, encouraging patrons to explore contested ideas. The initiative follows local incidents, such as the 2022 postponement of the “Rainbow Storytime” event due to protests by members of the Michiana Proud Boys, and a 2023 challenge to the placement of Juno Dawson's This Book Is Gay in the teen section, which the library upheld after review.

At recent library board meetings, public support for intellectual freedom has been strong. During the September meeting, 17 of 20 speakers backed the library's decisions, reflecting the community’s stance against censorship.

Through “SJCPL — Open For All,” the library reaffirms its role as a defender of free access to ideas, providing a space where varied viewpoints can coexist.