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Several libraries in the Tri-County area are pushing back against censorship as more books face challenges and bans in school and public libraries around the country.

The annual Peoria Reads program is rebranded "Central Illinois Reads" this year as a nod to the multi-institutional effort.

Jennifer Davis is the public relations manager at the Peoria Public Library.

"We felt it was incredibly important to highlight the fact that the freedom to read is is so essential to our democracy," she said. "No one should be able to tell you what you have access to what you can read. And we are encouraging people to during this period while we're highlighting this to hopefully read a banned or challenged book. Read outside your comfort zone; judge for yourself."

The American Library Association maintains a list of frequently challenged books. They include classics like To Kill a Mockingbird and The Color Purple, as well as contemporary titles like The Hate U Give and Gender Queer.

The Peoria Public Library is partnering with the Fondulac District Library in East Peoria, Pekin Public Library, Chillicothe Public Library, Morton Public Library, Dunlap Public Library, and the Illinois Prairie District Public Library that serves Metamora, Germantown Hills, and other Woodford County communities.

Bradley University, Methodist College, and the Neighborhood House are also participating.

A bill now moving through the Illinois General Assembly will require public libraries to have a written policy against book banning to maintain eligibility for state grants. A book can still be challenged by a patron through an administrative process, Davis said.

The first Central Illinois Reads event is happening this Thursday, April 13 at the Peoria Public Library Main Branch at 6 p.m. Dr. Emily Knox, a University of Illinois associate professor and author of Book Banning in 21st CenturyandFoundations of Intellectual Freedom will speak on book bans and censorship.

Find out more on the Peoria Public Library's website.

Excerpt from:
Central Illinois libraries are making a stand against book bans and ... - Peoria Public Radio