Resources offer Banned Books Week publicity tips

Contact: Jennifer Petersen
ALA PR Coordinator
312-280-5043
jpetersen@ala.org

NEWS
For Immediate Release
September 22, 2009

CHICAGO – With the 28th annual Banned Books Week approaching, the Public Information Office (PIO) is working with the Office of Intellectual Freedom (OIF) to reach out to national media to publicize the kick-off “Read-Out!” event on Saturday, Sept. 26. at historic Bughouse Square on Chicago’s North Side. Authors will perform readings from their banned or “challenged” books and will sign copies of their works.

Observed since 1982, Banned Books Week, which will be held Sept. 26 - Oct 3, is an annual event sponsored by ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF). It celebrates the freedom to read and reminds Americans not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted.

Online resources publicizing local library Banned Books Week activity are available. Free downloads, display ideas, activity ideas, PSA scripts, a letter to the editor and a proclamation are available at www.ala.org/bbooks. Posters, bookmarks, buttons and a BBW resource guide are available for purchase.

For more information on Banned Books Week or the Read-Out! event, please visit www.ala.org/bbooks or contact Jennifer Petersen at (312) 280-5043, jpetersen@ala.org.