Challenge What You Know About Banned Books Week

As we approach the end of this year’s Banned Books Week, we should stand in awe of the number of causes to which it has been harnessed. To some, this is the moment to highlight the lack of diversity in our libraries and on school reading lists. To others, it’s the occasion for a sharp warning about the dangers of the religious right. And, of course, no conversation about anything remotely concerning would be complete if we failed to mention how electing Donald Trump president would make it worse.

But let’s put our agendas aside. Banned Books Week should be first and foremost a celebration of books for their own sake -- and an appreciation of the risks that come from trying to build walls around the world of ideas. It’s also a time to ponder whether we ourselves might be the principal warriors in the never-ending battle to limit the range of acceptable thought.