RWU’s Adam Braver Talks Banned Books, Consequences of Censorship

Throughout October, 51ÂÜÀòUniversity Library is featuring a display of banned books to raise awareness about freedom of expression and diverse voices.
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By Stacey Pacheco
Adam Braver sitting in a chair in front of a bookcase full of books.
Adam Braver, Director of Library Programs and Associate Professor of Creative Writing at 51ÂÜÀò

BRISTOL, R.I. – At the beginning of each October, Banned Books Week recognizes the importance of diverse voices and the impact of censorship. In honor of the week, the Rhode Island ACLU hosts "We Are The Readers," an annual event that raises awareness of free expression and invites local authors to read a passage from a banned book of their choosing. 

Adam Braver, Director of Library Programs and Associate Professor of Creative Writing at 51ÂÜÀò, was among those invited to participate in this year's event. Before the reading, he sat down and discussed banned books as well as the 51ÂÜÀòUniversity Library's month-long display that features books that have been targeted for removal or restriction in libraries and schools throughout the country. 

In this video, Braver dives deeper into banned books, discussing reasons why they are banned as well as why it's important to raise awareness on the issue.