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While the Twilight series of vampire books has become increasingly popular amongst teens over the past several years, the series has simultaneously been banned from many school libraries amidst fears the books promote a religious viewpoint and include sexually explicit language.
At the end of the month the ACLU-CT is fighting censorship by celebrating Banned Books Week with a variety of events in Hartford. "Banned Books Week was designed to draw attention to the fact that, despite the First Amendment's sweeping protection of free speech and expression, misguided fears of ideas have constantly led to censorship throughout our country's history ." said Andrew Schneider Executive Director of the ACLU-CT.
On Sepyember 25, the Fairfield County Chapter of the ACLU will host a screening of Voices in Conflict, the acclaimed high school students' docudrama that was banned in Wilton in 2007, as well as a discussion of censorship at the state and country-wide levels. For more information please see the Fairfield County chapter page.
On September 30 the ACLU-CT, Hartford Public Library and Connecticut Library Association (CLA) will celebrate Huck Finn and other censored literature at the Banned Books Week Readout. The event will take place at 6 PM at the Hartford Public Library and feature prominent members of the community reading passages from their favorite banned books. Readers will include a Mark Twain impersonator, Mayor Pedro Segarra and civic leader John Motley.
However, books are not the only form of expression subjected to censorship. Authorities have long acknowledged the influence and power music can have over American society and have repeatedly turned to censorship to silence alternative views. The 3rd Annual First Amendment Rock-Off is dedicated to appreciating the music and the artists who refused to let authorities dictate their art.
The event will take place at 9 PM October 1 at Black-Eyed Sally's in Hartford and feature a live performance of music that has been censored throughout the United States at some time within the last 50 years. Tickets are $5 in advance through calling 860-523-9146 ext. 213 or $10 at the door.
Banned Books Week was founded by the American Library Association 27 years ago to celebrate the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one's opinion even if it is considered unorthodox or unpopular.
The ACLU-CT invites you to fight censorship and celebrate Banned Books Week by attending these events.
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