Free to Read: Banned Books Week 2023 at Georgia Southern University

Abstract

In 2023, the student outreach team at Georgia Southern University Libraries capitalized on the rising challenges against books in the U.S. by organizing Banned Books Week programming on two of their campuses. The initiative, funded by the Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund, aimed to enhance students' understanding of censorship and intellectual freedom through interactive displays, a scavenger hunt, and an open mic night. Feedback for the events highlighted its effectiveness in engaging students with the principles of the First Amendment and fostering information literacy. Programming not only engaged students in evaluating controversial literature, but also in discussing the broader implications of book bans. Partnerships with campus departments like the Office of Multicultural Affairs amplified the reach and impact of the events. The success of the 2023 initiative encourages future annual repeats, with plans to involve more academic departments and address censorship across various disciplines. This article underscores the continuing relevance of Banned Books Week as a vital educational tool in academic environments challenged by increasing censorship efforts.