The display was held on the main floor of the Library and consisted of two sites. For the front entry display (right), books banned in 1996/97 were exhibited in a cage with a large padlock on its door. Books relating to the topics of censorship, book banning and First Amendment rights were also incorporated. A poster with quotes regarding censorship from politicians, writers and philosophers attracted attention from both outside and inside the Library. Another feature of this display was a sign describing The Top Ten Reasons Why Books Are Banned. The titles of the books were given on the back of the sign, and the reader was directed to the display at the main circulation desk as well.
The circulation desk (below) was crowded with books that had been banned through the years. The books were covered in plain paper to conceal each title. The reason why the book was banned was listed on the front. The spectator could then open the book and look at the title page to discover its identity. Both displays were further linked and dramatized by yellow tape urging CAUTION.
The exhibit promoted much interest and discussion, reports Library Assistant Noel Moyer. The combined displays and ALA posters provided a dramatic picture of reasons for and results of banned books in the United States.
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10. "Encourages children to break dishes so they won't have to dry them." 9. Tarzan was "living in sin" with Jane. 8. The basket carried by Little Red Riding Hood contained a bottle of wine, which condones the use of alcohol. 7. It defines "obscene" words. 6. "If there is a possibility that something might be controversial, then why not eliminate it?" 5. Book promotes "the killing of elderly people and free sex." 4. "In anticipation of a parent's complaint." 3. "Conflicts with the the values of the community." 2. "Garbage being passed off as literature." 1. It's a real "downer."
**See books on main display table. Answer Key: 10. A light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein - 9. Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs - 8. Grimm's Fairy Tales - 7. Merriam-Webster New Collegiate Dictionary - 6. Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown - 5. Welcome to the Monkey House by Kurt Vonnegut - 4. Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein - 2. Moby Dick by Herman Melville - 3. The Crucible by Arthur Miller - 1. The Diary of Anne Frank |