Wanted: Banned Books Week Displays & Events

The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression (ABFFE) is encouraging all ABA members to share their plans for Banned Books Week displays and events at www.bannedbooksweek.org. The new site was launched at the beginning of August by ABFFE and the American Library Association (ALA) to help bookstores and libraries promote the national celebration of the freedom to read, this year from September 27 through October 4. "We've had a good response from bookstores and libraries so far," said ABFFE President Chris Finan. "More than 50 have posted information using the link, www.bannedbooksweek.org/signup."

The new site enables members of the public to learn more about this year's celebration and suggests ways they can support it. And key is the list of participating bookstores and libraries in their communities.

When bookstores and libraries submit details about their celebrations, the information will be reviewed and then posted.

Booksellers looking for ideas for displays and events will find a plethora of information and materials in ABFFE's Banned Books Week Handbook, freely available at abffe.com. The handbook includes lists of banned and challenged books, great display ideas, and easy events, which are inexpensive to put together and sure to draw customer attention. Banned Books Week posters that can be downloaded and reproduced at a local copy shop for a nominal fee are also available.

ABFFE is also having a sale on its popular FREADOM products, including a new FREADOM bookmark (100 for $5) and small FREADOM buttons in three colors that are sold in mixed bags of 100 ($20). FREADOM T-shirts are available in four colors and may be customized for a nominal fee.

For more information about Banned Books Week, visit abffe.com or contact Rebecca Zeidel at (212) 587-4025, ext. 13 or via e-mail to rebecca@abffe.com.