The La Vergne Public Library is celebrating the freedom to read this week during National Banned Book Week. Books that have been banned at some point are wrapped with "caution" tape on bookshelves throughout the library with information about why they were banned.

"We find that banning usually takes place at the local level," said Library Director Donna Bebout. "Parents may complain to schools or local library boards for various reasons. Some of the children's books that have come under scrutiny include the Captain Underpants series and The Lorax by Dr. Seuss. Books for adult readers include To Kill a Mockingbird, Fahrenheit 451, A Farewell to Arms, The Color Purple, and Gone With the Wind."

The library is challenging readers to check out any of a huge selection of books that have been challenged, read it, and write a brief report on it to be eligible for a prize drawing. The prize is a new sewing machine donated by SVP Worldwide, located in La Vergne.

The library has also announced its fall book sale will be held the first weekend in October. Patrons can shop for books at the library on Friday, October 3 from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. and on Saturday, October 4 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Shoppers are asked to make a suitable donation for the books they select.

Proceeds of the book sale help fund library programs throughout the year, including the popular Gross Grub program, scheduled October 30 from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Source:

Kathy Tyson, City of LaVergne