Troy University Libraries will hold events in recognition of Banned Books Week later this month at the Dothan, Montgomery and Troy Campuses thanks to a grant from the Freedom to Read Foundation’s Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund.

TROY Libraries, one of only six organizations to receive the grant, will receive $1,000 to help fund Banned Books Week 2016 events from Sept. 25 – Oct. 1. This year’s theme is “Diversity” with the slogan “Stand Up for Your Right to Read.”

“I believe there is a direct link between the freedom of speech and the freedom to read,” said Dr. Christopher Shaffer, Dean of Library Services. “Libraries have always played — and continue to play — a critical role in the free exchange of ideas in an open and non-threatening atmosphere. I am thrilled with the initiative shown by Ms. Alyssa Martin, the instruction/reference librarian on our Montgomery Campus, in applying for this grant, and glad that we are going to have the opportunity to share these excellent books with members of the Troy community.”

The Rosa Parks Library at Troy University Montgomery will partner with the Rosa Parks Museum to present several activities, including “Read with Rosa.” Local high school students will also have the opportunity to attend a lecture on intellectual freedom and censorship by Dr. Kirk Curnutt, professor of English, as well as submit artwork that will be displayed at the Children’s Wing of the Rosa Parks Museum.

On the Dothan Campus, librarians will team with speech and drama students to hold a Read Out event. Movies based on popular banned or challenged books will be featured each afternoon throughout the week.

Troy Campus students, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to “Read with T-Roy,” the University’s Trojan mascot. Troy Campus students will also be invited to attend a “Read Out” event, featuring faculty who will share and discussed their favorite banned books. In addition, art students will submit work illustrating the impact of their favorite banned books that will be displayed in the Troy Campus library. A photo booth will also be available in the library for students to pose with their favorite banned books.

Activities will not be limited to physical library locations, however. Librarians on all campuses will work together to create a Troy University Libraries online guide to banned books and featuring “Banned Books Week” displays.