Reading Freedom Day- Flushing Library announces banned books

On October 19th, the Queens Public Library’s Flushing branch held a “Freedom to Read Action Day” to raise awareness about the growing issue of book banning and to advocate for the preservation of reading freedoms against censorship. The event saw enthusiastic community participation and wide support.

Dennis M. Walcott, the Executive Director of the Queens Public Library, delivered an inspiring opening speech, emphasizing the collaborative effort with libraries from Brooklyn and New York City. He stated that this initiative arises in response to the increasing prevalence of book bans since 2020. Walcott stressed that books are essential for understanding the world’s complexities and enhancing empathy, serving as a window into multiculturalism and diverse life experiences. He pointed out that book bans often stem from political or ideological motivations, posing a serious threat to libraries’ role as bastions of knowledge freedom.

During the event, Walcott read excerpts from banned books, including “All Boys Aren’t Blue.” This was followed by library staff and numerous students sharing passages from well-known banned or challenged works, such as “Fahrenheit 451,” “The Diary of a Young Girl,” “Lawn Boy,” and “White Bird.”

Flushing Library Director Cheng Yang read “Fahrenheit 451” in Chinese and remarked, “The significance of today’s event is meaningful, as it raises awareness of the dangers of book censorship and demonstrates the library’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity, celebrating the freedom to read.”

The community warmly welcomed the giveaway of banned books during the event, showcasing a strong awareness of the need to defend freedom and protect reading rights. Walcott encouraged attendees to take advantage of the opportunity to freely bring home the banned books sponsored by local businesses and to share their reading experiences on social media in support of the “Freedom to Read” movement.