home > newsroom ACLU of Utah Celebrates Banned Books Week September 21-28 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 18, 2002 SALT LAKE CITY - To mark this year’s Banned Books Week, the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah along with King’s English Bookstore will be at the Farmers’ Market on Saturday September 21 and 28 to distribute literature about the event and to celebrate freedom of expression. The annual event raises awareness regarding the censorship of books, and this year’s theme is “Let Freedom Read: Read a Banned Book.” Dani Eyer, incoming executive director of the ACLU of Utah, stressed that the message of the event has never been more timely or crucial. “The First Amendment is the greatest concept that the United States has given the world, ensuring freedom of expression and the right of fundamental inquiry.” According to the American Library Association, one of the sponsors of the national event, there have been more than 6,500 book challenges since 1990, including 448 in 2001. Books many parents and teachers consider American classics, including “The Grapes of Wrath” and “To Kill A Mockingbird,” are among the most frequently challenged of the past 12 years. The most regularly attacked books in the past two years have been the Harry Potter books, with many religious groups holding book burning ceremonies. The ACLU opposes all forms of censorship, arguing that the right to choose what we see and hear and read is one of our most cherished freedoms. “Banned Books Week is an affirmation of our core values. It allows us to celebrate literature and look at the roots of intolerance and ignorance that fuel attempts to censor free expression,” stated Eyer. The Farmers’ Market takes place at Salt Lake City’s Pioneer Park at 300 West and 300 South from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Additional information about Banned Books Week is available online at http://www.aclu.org/banned2002. --end--

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