Diversity & Inclusion
Join the Banned Books Reading Group Series

Join the Banned Books Reading Group Series

In a time of intense political polarization, library staff in every state are facing an unprecedented number of attempts to ban books. Sharing stories important to us means sharing a part of ourselves. Books reach across boundaries and build connections between readers. Censorship, on the other hand, creates barriers.

We invite you to celebrate your freedom to read by joining our Banned Books Reading Group for good discussion and light refreshments. Our first book is The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. Published in 1970, it tells the story of Black, eleven-year-old Pecola Breedlove. Pecola prays for her eyes to turn blue so that she will be as beautiful and beloved as all the blond, blue-eyed children in America. In the autumn of 1941, Pecola’s life does change- in painful, devastating ways.

We plan to read The Bluest Eye in April and have a meet-up in late April/early May as schedules allow. Please fill out the request form by March 22 so we can figure out how many copies of the book to order. This reading group series is co-sponsored by the University DEI Committee, the Livingston Lord Library, and the Faculty & Professional Learning Center.