Freedom to read: A Novel Idea toasts Banned Books Week

Art by Rose Padios

Banned Books Week is a week that draws national awareness to the censorship of books. From Sept. 22-28, libraries and bookstores across the country will highlight academic freedom. Lincoln Bookstore, A Novel Idea is running programming for the event. 

“Many of us who fall into this cadre really feel that it is crucial for this country and our democracy to have a free exchange of ideas, to have access to books,” Cinnamon Dokken, owner of A Novel Idea, said. 

A Novel Idea collects both monetary and book donations for Lincoln’s Little Free Libraries. These libraries around the city provide free reading materials to the community. The store has hosted events in the past bringing awareness to these resources. 

The American Library Association (ALA) and the American Bookseller Association provide information and resources about Banned Books Week. The ALA reports that in 2023, 4,240 individual titles were targets of censorship in schools and libraries — a record high. 

“It’s really important that we’re able to read about a wide variety of things to develop our understanding of the world and increase our perspective,” Dokken said. “If we’re attempting to write policy, it’s important that we include everyone, (then) there’s more innovation.” 

Of the books that were targeted for removal in 2023, 47% were books about the lives and experiences of LGBTQ+ and Black, Indigenous and people of color, according to the ALA. The most banned book in 2023 was “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe, a graphic novel memoir about the author’s experience with gender identity. 

“We really need to use the resources that we have in this country and the multiplicity of perspectives if we are going to approach the difficulties of the world,” Dokken said. “When you have more stories that represent the world, you develop a better understanding of it. You develop more empathy and compassion.” 

A Novel Idea specifically stocks new copies of certain banned books so customers have the opportunity to purchase them. Dokken specifically mentioned the store has copies of the nonfiction book “This Book is Gay” by Juno Dawson, a commonly challenged and banned book across the country.  

“Books are a great way for kids to encounter situations (and) emotions in a way that’s very safe,” Dokken said. “(When) reading a book, you can have the leisure to have the time to process those kinds of things, and then develop some thoughts about that.” 

Dokken suggests those wishing to be involved in activism against censorship should exercise their right to vote. She also recommends writing letters to elected officials and attending school board meetings to stress the importance of academic freedom. 

“If you’re in a position in which you can speak up, please do,” Dokken said. “Please support those professionals who are doing this work on the front lines, purchase banned books from your independent bookstore and give them to people who might not have a chance to read them.”

Next week, A Novel Idea will be open Tuesday through Saturday for Banned Books Week. On Sunday, Sept. 29, the store will be hosting a Boozy Banned Book fair, described as a book fair for adults, at woman-owned Bodega’s Alley from 2 to 6 p.m.

Published for the Daily Nebraskan, read here.