Loutit District Library hosts 'Right to Read' exhibit, film series for Banned Books Week

GRAND HAVEN — The Loutit District Library is marking national Banned Books Week this month with "Right to Read," a monthlong educational exhibit and event series running through Oct. 31.

Coinciding with the American Library Association’s annual observance Oct. 4-10, this year's theme, "Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read," highlights literary censorship and the freedom of expression.

Located on the library's upper level, the curated exhibit features a timeline of censorship along with a showcase of titles that have been frequently challenged or banned worldwide. Visitors can also participate in an interactive banned book guessing game for a chance to win gift cards to local bookstore The Bookman.

Alongside the display, the library is hosting a series of public programs in Program Room A, including discussions and documentary screenings:

• MI Right to Read, Your Right to Read: Amber Sheerin from the Michigan Library Association led a community discussion on book challenges and censorship on Oct. 5.
• "Banned Together" Film Screening (6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 8): A documentary following three students and adult allies fighting to reinstate 97 books removed from their school district, tracing their journey from local activists to national advocates.
• "The Librarians" Documentary Screening (6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19): A film exploring how librarians across the country are navigating collection standards, restrictions on race-related and LGBTQIA+ content, and the broader impacts on public education.

Community response to the annual exhibit has drawn varied reactions from local patrons, ranging from praise for the library's educational efforts to personal reflections on censorship.

The "Right to Read" exhibit is free and open to the public during normal library hours throughout October.

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