The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. These are all titles on a long list of banned books.

“The reason we celebrate Banned Books Week is to celebrate the right to read,” Librarian Laura Falli said. “It is important to remind the students about the freedom of speech.”

Banned Books Week is an annual event in schools in all areas of the world. The idea is to dedicate the week to reading books that may be banned from school districts for including explicit, inappropriate concepts or profanity.
No books are banned from RRISD; however, RRISD still participates in this week of celebrating these books that include expression just like any other book, but are not available to students in other parts of the world.
To celebrate banned books week at McNeil, giveaways of banned book bags and other things take place, along with other activities.

“We are having read-a-thons and we are making buttons,” Falli said. “Also Ms. [Amelia] Lewis and I will be going to classes to talk about banned books week, as well.” Mrs.Falli said.

Banned Books Week is sponsored by the American Library Association. For more info, check out the ALA website or go to www.bannedbooksweek.org.