BOOKS ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK
Free Readings of Challenged Books
Thursday, 9 /12 - 7:00PM CT
Park Ridge Library
20 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge IL
Sunday, 9 /22 - 2:00PM CT
Edgewater CPL Branch
6000 N. Broadway, Chicago IL
Tuesday, 9 /24 - 7:00PM CT
Northbrook Public Library
1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook IL
Wednesday, 9 /25 - 6:30PM CT
McHenry Public Library (via Zoom)
https://mchenry.librarycalendar.com/event/city-lit-banned-books-placeholder-20594
Thursday, 9 /26 - 2:00PM CT
DePaul University Library
2350 N. Kenmore, Chicago IL
Saturday, 9 /28 - 12:00PM CT
Blackstone Library Branch
4904 S. Lake Park Ave., Chicago IL
Sunday 9/29 - 2:30 MT
Longmont Museum
400 Quail Road, Longmont CO
Park Ridge Library
20 S. Prospect Ave., Park Ridge IL
Sunday, 9 /22 - 2:00PM CT
Edgewater CPL Branch
6000 N. Broadway, Chicago IL
Tuesday, 9 /24 - 7:00PM CT
Northbrook Public Library
1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook IL
Wednesday, 9 /25 - 6:30PM CT
McHenry Public Library (via Zoom)
https://mchenry.librarycalendar.com/event/city-lit-banned-books-placeholder-20594
Thursday, 9 /26 - 2:00PM CT
DePaul University Library
2350 N. Kenmore, Chicago IL
Saturday, 9 /28 - 12:00PM CT
Blackstone Library Branch
4904 S. Lake Park Ave., Chicago IL
Sunday 9/29 - 2:30 MT
Longmont Museum
400 Quail Road, Longmont CO
BOOKS ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK is a 60-minute program of readings of short excerpts from the top ten most frequently challenged books of 2023, accompanied by background on each book, including the reasons for their challenges. The readings are followed by an audience discussion. The actual or attempted restriction of access to books across the United States continues to rise at an alarming rate. ALA documented 4,240 unique book titles targeted for censorship in 2023—a 65% surge over 2022 numbers—as well as 1,247 demands to censor library books, materials, and resources. Pressure groups focused on public libraries in addition to targeting school libraries. The number of titles targeted for censorship at public libraries increased by 92% over the previous year, accounting for about 46% of all book challenges in 2023. Every year since 1982, the American Library Association has released a list of the top ten most frequently challenged books as reported to their Office of Intellectual Freedom. BOOKS ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK features those books, celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the first amendment. As we begin preparations for Banned Books Week 2024, OPC wishes to reiterate that this work is about anti-censorship & defending the first amendment, which states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” This work is rooted in book bans, and extends to any unconstitutional efforts to abridge the freedom of speech, including banning and censoring social media platforms and demonstrations of political speech. 
The BOOKS ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK script is adapted by Katy Nielsen (pictured) who has been producing this program in association with City Lit Theater Company for 18 years.
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Most Frequently Challenged Books of 2023:See the Top 10 List HERE
1. Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe Number of challenges: 106 Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit 2. All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson Number of challenges: 82 Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit 3. This Book is Gay by Juno Dawson Number of challenges: 71 Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, sexual education, claimed to be sexually explicit 4. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky Number of challenges: 68 Challenged for: claimed to be sexually explicit, LGBTQIA+ content, rape, drugs, profanity 5. Flamer by Mike Curato Number of challenges: 67 Challenged for: LGBTQIA+ content, claimed to be sexually explicit 6. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison Number of challenges: 62 Challenged for: rape, incest, claimed to be sexually explicit, EDI content 7/8. (TIE) Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews Number of challenges: 56 Challenged for: claimed to be sexually explicit, profanity 7/8. (TIE) Tricks by Ellen Hopkins Number of challenges: 56 Challenged for: claimed to be sexually explicit, drugs, rape, LGBTQIA+ content 9. (Let's Talk About it: The Teen's Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human by Erika Moen and Mathew Nolan Number of challenges: 55 Challenged for: claimed to be sexually explicit, sex education, LGBTQIA+ content 10. Sold by Patricia McCormick Number of challenges: 53 Challenged for: claimed to be sexually explicit, rape |
Books on the Chopping Block 2024
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Banned Books Week will take place from September 12th - 29th, 2024
Since 2006, our core members have worked closely with Chicago's City Lit Theater to produce their annual Books on the Chopping Block program in celebration of Banned Books Week! The American Library Association released the list of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books in the United States, and we worked with our talented performers to bring these books to life! See the 2023 Top 10 List HERE Watch The Full Program HERE Watch the American Library Association's "Live" video teaser for the 2020 event HERE |
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