Special Banned Books Week “Counterspeak” Podcast to Drop Next Week

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Counterspeak logoNext week, Counterspeak, the monthly free speech podcast of the American Booksellers for Free Expression (ABFE), will release a special Banned Books Week episode, which will feature interviews with independent booksellers on their events and plans for the upcoming Banned Books Week.

Banned Books Week will run September 22–28 this year. The theme of this year’s event proclaims “Censorship Leaves Us in the Dark,” urging everyone to “Keep the Light On.” Booksellers who would like to be interviewed for the episode should e-mail David Grogan, director, ABFE, Advocacy & Public Policy by the end of the day on Thursday, September 12.

Banned Books Week is the most important opportunity during the year for advocates — publishers, booksellers, librarians, educators, journalists, and readers — to explain why we must defend everyone’s right to choose what they want to read and view. The 15 member organizations of the Banned Books Week Coalition will support booksellers’ celebration with programming ideas, promotional materials, an events calendar, and other resources available on the Banned Books Week website.

Resources from the Banned Books Week Coalition can help with planning and promoting events as Banned Books Week 2018 approaches, including social media graphics, infographics, web banners, downloadable posters, and shelf-talkers.

Booksellers who are planning events or creating Banned Books Week displays should register on the Banned Books Week events page. Registering will add your event to the Banned Books Week map and help readers who want to celebrate Banned Books Week to find your store.

The Banned Books Week Coalition also provides ideas for how booksellers and their customers can celebrate the freedom to read, such as by participating in a Virtual Read-Out of a banned or challenged book or by writing letters to the editor to speak out against censorship. Additionally, Ingram is currently offering a special discount to independent booksellers looking to stock up on banned books.