Maria’s to Celebrate Banned Books Week in a Big Way

For Banned Books Week, from September 30 - October 6, Maria’s Bookshop in Durango, Colorado, has planned a full schedule of events, including a censorship panel featuring Chris Finan, president of the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression (ABFFE).

This year’s celebration of banned books coincides with the Durango Public Library Literary Festival, which includes several literary panels and events. Libby Cowles, community relations manager of Maria’s Bookshop, and store co-owner Peter Schertz decided to take the opportunity to educate the surrounding community about censorship. Maria’s invited Finan to participate in a panel discussion about ongoing censorship issues.

The panel will also feature young adult author Ellen Hopkins, Durango Public Library Assistant Director Sandy Irwin, and Fort Lewis College Media Studies Professor Dr. Leslie Blood. It will be moderated by Ted Holteen, Durango Herald Arts and Entertainment editor.

To make the most of Finan’s Durango visit, the bookshop worked with other community institutions to schedule additional events for the rest of the week. On Monday, Finan will be speaking to Gene Taylor's Children’s Literature class at Fort Lewis College, followed by a “Censorship Chat” open to the public at Fort Lewis College’s Reed Library. Tuesday’s events include an interview with Nancy Stoffer for KDUR’s “Off the Rim” program at Fort Lewis College. Each day will conclude with events at the bookstore.

As a former high school English teacher, Cowles can appreciate the value of Finan’s visit to local classrooms, as a way to enrich students’ view of censorship and literature. Additionally, “it’s great from a bookseller’s perspective too, as we are continuing to strengthen relationships that we have with schools and other members of the community.”

Maria’s is grateful to be able to host Finan for a celebration that his organization works toward all year.

“We just feel really lucky that he was available to come to our community so we can draw upon his expertise,” said Cowles.

Maria’s Bookshop has always been an advocate for free speech, which is something that lies at the heart of its business. Cowles sees Banned Books Week as a time for the store’s year-long schedule of events and discussions to come to a head.

“We believe strongly that a community bookstore is a place for education and conversation, and that we play an important role in terms of protecting free speech,” said Cowles. “We’re more than just a retail establishment.”

Maria’s typically recognizes Banned Books Week in the store by labeling titles that have been deemed controversial with an orange bookmark that reads “banned.” Last year, the store participated in the virtual read-out and received coverage from the local press. By scheduling a week of events, Maria’s hopes to build on what it has done in the past.

“It’s always an interesting surprise when people see the orange bookmarks. They think banning books went out with the dark ages. It’s a great time to share with people that there are still challenges in schools, libraries, and communities,” said Cowles.

Finan is looking forward to the Durango celebration, which he sees as an opportunity to both educate the public about the dangers of censorship, as well as about the bookstore’s crucial role in defending the First Amendment.

“It’s a great time to underline the importance of bookstores as protectors of free speech in their communities,” said Finan. “In Durango, I will not only be talking about free speech, but also about the role bookstores like Maria’s play in the fight against censorship.”

Bookstores are typically pro-free speech instinctively, said Finan, “but Banned Books Week gives them the opportunity to wear their hearts on their sleeve.”

More details about Banned Books Week events at Maria’s are featured on the store’s website.