Christmas Closures

All locations of the Des Moines Public Library will be closed on Tuesday, December 24, and Wednesday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday. 

Banned Books 101: Who, What, & Why?

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Program Type:

Educational

Age Group:

Teens, Adults, All Ages
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.

Program Description

Event Details

In honor of Banned Books Week, a panel of experts will discuss the importance of supporting the freedom to read. Attendees will connect with organizations fighting censorship, get equipped with tools and resources to defend their rights as citizens and as parents, and learn how to combat book banning.

The panel will be held off-site at:

Franklin Junior High Auditorium
4801 Franklin Ave
Des Moines, IA 50310

ASL interpretation will be provided at the event.

Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. It spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools.  According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Iowa, “in recent months, public schools and libraries have been challenged like never before. The Iowa Legislature has signed into law SF 496, a wide-ranging bill with vague, highly problematic language that requires public schools K-12 to remove all books that have ‘descriptions or visual depictions of a sex act,’ but excludes religious texts, such as the Bible.”

This panel is co-hosted by Beaverdale Books and is part of a full day of events at Franklin Junior High.  For the full schedule, check out Beaverdale Books events page.

 

Disclaimer(s)

Accessibility

The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.

Central Parking

Free library parking is available in Central's underground parking garage for two hours per visit. Parking around the library is metered at various costs from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

Off Site Event

Please note, this event does not take place at the library. Please check the Location Details for the address of the event.