Creative Tensions: Freedom to Read.

Can stories be dangerous? Join this interactive discussion with poet Paisley Rekdal and SLCPL Executive Director Noah Baskett defending the freedom to read. Together, we will explores the power of reading, book bans in Utah, and the impact of censorship in our communities.

Join the League of Utah Writers and Let Utah Read for a discussion about the banned books that changed our lives. This event is free and open to the public. SPECIAL GUEST: Christian McKay Heidicker is the author of the Newbery Honor-winning Scary Stories for Young Foxes

To kick off Banned Book Week, Under the Umbrella, your favorite queer bookstore, invites you to join them and host Sammee St James for banned books bingo! We're celebrating our favorite banned books and donating banned books to Mosaics Community Bookstore in Provo.

With Special Guest, Author, Rex Ogle

Thirteen books have been banned from Utah schools as a result of HB29, with hundreds more banned in different school districts across the state. But who is making these decisions, and on what grounds? Shouldn’t all parents have a say on what their own kids can read? And what about students’ right to read what they want? Calvin Crosby from The King’s English Bookshop moderates a panel discussion with author Rex Ogle, EveryLibrary Associate Director, Peter Bromberg, and Utah Library Association Advocacy Co-Chair Rebekah Cummings.

FReadom Forum: Lunch and Learn Webinar Thursday, June 20th

12-1 pm

Utah’s new book-banning law is scheduled to go into effect on July 1st. What will this mean for Utah students, parents, and educators?

Hear the latest updates on Utah's book banning legislation and learn what you can do to support the freedom to read.

Come to the Utah Capitol Rotunda on February 22nd for a read-in to support Utahns’ right to read!

This read-in event will run from 3-6 PM. We'll begin with a community reading hour in the Rotunda between 3pm and 4pm followed by a great lineup of authors and other speakers.

This read-in will run from 3-6. We'll begin with a community reading hour in the Rotunda between 3pm and 4pm followed by a great lineup of authors and other speakers.

BRING A BOOK TO READ AND ONE (OR MORE TO DONATE!)

Brainfood books will be donating books for those who need one, and also collecting donations to put back out into the community. Please bring a book to read and one (or more) to donate if you can. (Learn more about Brainfood Books at: https://brainfoodbooks.org/)

RSVP now to receive updates on schedule of events and our lineup of speakers.

This event is brought to you by Let Utah Read, a joint partnership with PEN America, ACLU, Utah Library Association, EveryLibrary, and the Salt Lake Education Association (SLEA).

By registering for this event, you are agreeing to receive periodic updates from these organizations from which you can opt-out of at any time through a link at the bottom of any email you receive.