Banned Books Display and Art Project
Private groups and public authorities in various parts of the country are working to remove or limit access to reading materials, to censor content in schools, to label “controversial” views, to distribute lists of “objectionable” books or authors, and to purge libraries” (Freedom to Read). In an effort to preserve the freedom of information, the Tarpon Springs Campus is committed to providing students with access to books that face censorship in our ever-growing special collection of “Banned Books”. Many of these books are challenged because they present controversial topics of religion, politics, violence, sexuality, vulgarity, etc. Books are available to be checked out for a period of 28 days with a Student or Staff ID card. Want to know why a book is banned? Ask one of our knowledgeable library staff members.
In addition, students can bring awareness to censorship by participating in the Banned Books Art Project taking place at the Tarpon Springs Learning Resources Center during the month of September. Students are encouraged to use the provided art supplies to create their own interpretation of a book cover for a banned book. Artwork will be displayed in the Leepa Rattner Museum of Art interactive gallery during Banned Books Week (September 23rd through 29th).
Staff Picks Shelf
“Staff Picks” is a curated collection of books selected by our Learning Resources team. The collection can be found at the front of the library and features a shelf dedicated to each of the six staff members that participate. The shelves contain a description about what each staff member enjoys reading, so that students can choose a book from someone with similar interests. Fresh picks are added each month and are coordinated around a similar theme.
Written by Heather Holtzman, TS campus Senior Library Services Technician