The Boston Public Library in Copley Square. (New Boston Post photo by Beth Treffeisen)
Boston Public Library is taking a political stand against the removal of controversial books from public libraries.
The Central Branch of Boston Public Library in Copley Square is holding an event called “Let Freedom Read: Statewide Read-In to Fight Censorship” from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, September 30.
Here is a description of the event from the library’s web site:
Freedom to read is a fundamental pillar to upholding democracy. During Banned Books Week libraries across the Commonwealth will celebrate the freedom to read with a Statewide Read-In.
Join the Boston Public Library for a silent read-in and demonstrate your support in the fight against book bans! We’ll have comfortable seating in the New & Novel area of the Central Library and a large selection of banned books for you to browse, read, and check out.
A spokesman for Boston Public Library told NewBostonPost that the event would revolve around books that have sparked controversy in recent years.
“This event is part of a statewide read-in to celebrate the freedom to read. Items will be selected by library staff and made available to attendees,” the spokesman said by email. “Staff are relying on organizations such as the PEN American Index of School Book Bans and the American Library Association’s Banned & Challenged Books to help select these titles. Examples of books that are being considered for the event are The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison and Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur. Patrons will also be welcome to bring their own reading materials if they so choose.”
As NewBostonPost has previously reported, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, published in 1970, has drawn opposition from parents in various parts of the country because, in the book, the protagonist is an 11-year-old girl who gets raped and impregnated by her father.
Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur is a poetry book that features sexually explicit content and, like The Bluest Eye, has drawn controversy for its presence in schools. One section of the book features a naked woman with her legs spread open and the poem next to the graphic says “you have been taught that your legs are a pit stop for men that need a place to rest; a vacant body empty enough for guests, but no one ever comes and is willing to stay.”
Boston Public Library’s web site says the event is suitable for everyone ages six years old and up.
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The Boston Public Library in Copley Square. (New Boston Post photo by Beth Treffeisen) 
