by Ellie Boyer, reporter

FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Public librarian of youth services Allyson Russell arranged an event at the Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship in support of National Banned Books Week to discourage the censoring and the challenging of books.

National Banned Books Week takes place yearly from October 1 to 7, and promotes people to read challenged or censored books in libraries and schools.

To support this event, people read passages from their favorite challenged books, such as “Fahrenheit 451” and “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”

“I felt like if we read the parts that were really moving from our favorite banned books,” Russell said, “how could you argue with some of this stuff that’s happened in these books?”

Avid reader Jasmine Hodges who recited from “A Wrinkle in Time” came to the program to help show her support. 

“I think when people try to limit others’ access to books–especially to kids–that’s when this becomes a major problem,” Hodges said. 

Mia Manifold who read her favorite passage from “The Jungle” mentioned her reasoning for attending Russell’s event

prior to reading.

“Books have changed my perspective on how I perceive the world and I think that’s why they have been challenged and banned,” said Manifold. 

Brian Dasinger, a lawyer representing Faith Family Freedom Coaltion [FFFC], opposed certain books in the public library during their weekly city council meetings.

At the meeting, Dasinger claimed that many of the books contained in the library “have little to no redeeming benefits,” and the FFFC fears that the impact of those books on young adults and juveniles could result in mental health issues and unnecessary loss of innocence.

Russell’s goal is to peacefully navigate through this community dispute with an open mind and hopes that other citizens will do the same. 

Currently all the books in question by the FFFC are still available in the Fairhope Public Library.