Raising Spirits and Literacy

Last September the Redwood City Library Foundation held their first annual Upscale Pub Crawl fundraiser in recognition of Banned Books Week. The event served several purposes:

• Funds were raised to support Redwood City Public Library initiatives
• Attendees strolled through downtown Redwood City with friends and neighbors enjoying a discounted libation at each participating pub
• Library foundation representatives and posters at each location presented information about Banned Books and the freedom to read

The 2nd Annual Upscale Pub Crawl will recognize 2023 Banned Books Week during a time when book challenges and bans are increasing.

The American Library Association (ALA) reports that the number of book challenges in the United States nearly doubled from 2021 to 2022. The number of unique titles that were challenged has also increased from 223 in 2020, to 1858 in 2021, to 2571 in 2022. Yet the vast majority of Americans support public libraries, and 71% oppose book banning.

There have always been individuals and small groups trying to dictate what people should read, but attacks on books, libraries, and librarians are escalating in school and public libraries nationwide. In Florida, a single activist got over 100 books removed and is trying to remove more titles. In Oklahoma, one father successfully sued the local district to get all 3,000 graphic novels recalled. Librarians have to defend themselves against potential litigation and almost a third of all libraries have lost staff. A school superintendent in Houston removed librarians in 28 schools and turned the libraries into detention halls. Books are banned, budgets slashed, and public libraries threatened with closure due to defunding.

Efforts to ban books target young readers and focus on race or books written by or about LGBTQ+ people. According to PEN America, 40% of books banned by schools last year featured characters of color, 20% dealt directly with race, and almost half of all banned books focused on LGBTQ+ themes. Over 90 pending bills center around how race and LGBTQ+ issues are taught.

Libraries are vital in supporting diverse ideas, and organizations like EveryLibrary and Freedom to Read exist to combat challenges and support libraries. The 2nd Annual Upscale Pub Crawl will be in downtown Redwood City on October 11, 2023 with the same goals of fun, fundraising, and education about book banning. To participate, you can buy tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2nd-annual-upscale-pub-crawl-fundraiser-tickets-638826867357