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Annual event championing suppressed literature, led by local literacy advocate

Annual Banned Books Event Held by Literacy Organization to Honor Prohibited Literature and Boost Literacy Awareness

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Annual event championing suppressed literature, led by local literacy advocate

Celebrating the Uncensored Word: Local Literacy Organization Hosts "Banned Books" Event

In the heart of Ottawa, a local literacy organization, Alternative Learning Styles and Outlooks (ALSO), recently threw a lively celebration of "banned books." This yearly event serves not just as a book fair, but also as a platform to shed light on the dangers of book censorship.

ALSO, an adult and family literacy group, focuses on supporting students grappling with challenges such as mental health issues, addiction, and housing problems. Recognizing the surge in book banning episodes, they organized this event to advocate for the importance of unhindered literature.

ALSO highlights the uptick in book challenges since the pandemic, as stated in a recent study by the Canadian Federation of Library Associations. PEN America reports that over 10,000 instances of book bans occurred in U.S. public schools during the 2023-2024 school year. These instances often target authors of color, LGBTQ+ authors, and books dealing with themes of racism, sexuality, gender, and history.

According to Kim Oastler, ALSO's executive director, the event's objective is to empower authors, particularly those who have faced book bans, by giving them a platform to be heard and seen. Oastler stated, "Silencing someone's voice because of their opinions or the stories they tell makes the world a smaller, dimmer place."

ALSO's event incorporates a silent auction, readings from high-profile Ottawa authors, and discussions on the impacts of book bans and censorship. The organization's aim is not only to raise awareness about these issues but also to promote their own work and bring attention to the often overlooked voices of their students.

The planning process for the event began back in December, involving the search for sponsors, auction participants, and authors willing to donate their time and share excerpts from a banned book of their choice. Notable authors such as Dr. Monia Mazigh took part in this year's celebration.

Dr. Mazigh, a prominent human rights advocate and author, shared a passage from the autobiography of Malcolm X, a civil rights leader whose book has faced bans due to its detailed portrayal of race, violence, and politics. By featuring a passage from a banned book, Dr. Mazigh intended to emphasize the importance of these texts despite attempts at censorship.

Book bans can have a far-reaching impact, restricting access to important information and discussions. Some argue that censorship is an act of violence against freedom of expression. Dr. Mazigh, summarizing her thoughts on the issue, stated, "Banning a book is an abuse of power, and there are always better alternatives to simply silencing someone's voice."

The event took place at Heartwood House, a hub for various charitable organizations in Vanier. The gathering not only highlighted the importance of freedom to read but also served as a testament to the vibrant literary community in the city.

Behind the Scenes

The increase in book bans in North America can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the focus on sensitive topics in the books being challenged and political and social pressures. Although book bans in Canada may be less visible than in the U.S., they still pose potential harm to communities, hinder educational growth, and suppress freedom of expression.

Authors and advocacy groups are responding to this trend by taking legal action, rallying public support, and promoting the importance of literature. In the face of censorship, the fight for the freedom to read remains a crucial battle for numerous reasons.

  1. The uptick in book challenges since the pandemic, as stated in a recent study by the Canadian Federation of Library Associations, has led ALSO to advocate for the importance of unhindered literature.
  2. Kim Oastler, ALSO's executive director, mentioned that the event's objective is to empower authors who have faced book bans.
  3. Despite attempts at censorship, texts like Malcolm X's autobiography, which has faced bans due to its detailed portrayal of race, violence, and politics, remain important, as emphasized by Dr. Monia Mazigh.
  4. Book bans can have a far-reaching impact, restricting access to important information and discussions, with some arguing that censorship is an act of violence against freedom of expression.
  5. The fight for the freedom to read, in response to the increase in book bans, is a crucial battle for numerous reasons, as emphasized by advocacy groups and authors.
  6. Censorship is an abuse of power, and there are always better alternatives to simply silencing someone's voice, according to Dr. Mazigh.
  7. In theBest-selling home-and-garden book of 2023, learning about personal-growth and education-and-self-development philosophy can help us better understand and value the importance of freedom of expression.
  8. In 2023, the housing situation of students, grappling with challenges such as mental health issues and addiction, can take a toll on their ability to focus on their lifestyle and education.
  9. It is important for the government to recognize the potential harm of book bans and take measures to protect people's right to read and access information, as the current state of political affairs can impact everyone's lifestyles, both positively and negatively.
Annual event showcasing prohibited literature is held by literacy organization, aiming to highlight these writings and foster reading skills.

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