If Books Are Banned: Reading Between the Lines

A movement to ban books is sweeping the country and has gained increasing traction over the past few years. The majority of books being targeted are written by Black and LGBTQ+ authors; feature LGBTQ+ characters or characters of color; and tackle themes of race, gender, history, and sexuality.　　

Censorship impacts readers of all ages, teachers, librarians, authors, book publishers, and bookstores and threatens our freedom to read, learn, and express ourselves, as well as our democracy. Ahead of Banned Books Week, we’ll discuss the movement to restrict books, what’s at stake, and the effort to fight back. Laura Meckler, national education writer for The Washington Post, will moderate a panel with:

• PEN America Washington Managing Director Nadine Farid Johnson
• Author and journalist James Kirchick
• DC Public Library Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan

Following the panel, award-winning drag queen Tara Hoot will read from a banned children’s book.

This event is presented by Sixth & I, a center for arts, entertainment, ideas, and Jewish life in Washington, D.C.