OLD LYME–The Old Lyme Phoebe Griffin Noyes (PGN) Library is kicking off the American Library Association’s Banned Books Week with a community-wide Read-In, Oct. 5.  

The Banned Books Week website states that the week was launched in 1982, “in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools.”

The explanation continues, “Typically (but not always) held during the last week of September, the annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community — librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas.”

The Read-In at the PGN Library will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the library’s community room. All are welcome.

Attendees are invited to choose a banned book, challenged book or any book at all to “celebrate fREADom,” according to the event listing. 

The drop-in event for all ages includes door prizes, a round of Banned Books Jeopardy, and the opportunity to print a LIBRARIES ROCK! t-shirt. 

Patrons should bring their own t-shirts, bandanas, onesies, tote bags or anything flat to be affixed with the LIBRARIES ROCK! message in white ink. 

Organizers noted the library has an assortment of blank t-shirts to share with attendees. Any remaining t-shirts will be sold after the event. 

Those who cannot attend the Read-In but would like to have a t-shirt or other item printed can drop off the item at the library by 2 p.m. on Oct. 4. 

For more information on the t-shirt printing option, email Nike Desis at ndesis@oldlymelibrary.org. 

For more information on Banned Books Week, visit their website at this link.