“We are willing enough to praise freedom when she is tucked away in the past and cannot be a nuisance. In the present, amidst dangers whose outcome we cannot foresee, we get nervous about her, and admit censorship. – E.M. Forster
“Censorship is to art as lynching is to justice.” – Henry Louis Gates
“Submitting to censorship is to enter the seductive world of ‘The Giver’: the world where there are no bad words and no bad deeds. But it is also the world where choice has been taken away and reality distorted. And that is the most dangerous world of all.” – Lois Lowry
DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR AND READ:
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/statementspols/freedomreadstatement
*
Fight Censorship and thank a Librarian
It’s banned books week
And if a book hasn’t
Made it on that list
I’m not sure it is
Worth my time
Reading
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It’s banned books week
If you care about
Making your own
Choices
If there is a book
You like that
Has made the list
Speak out
*
It’s banned books week
Somewhere there is a
Librarian who has stuck
Her neck out
For your right to
Read what you choose
They are the hero’s of
The hour
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It’s banned books week
Celebrate
Read a book
From the list
Read the statement
Freedom to Read 1953
Celebrate
Then go to the independent
Book store and buy
Banned books
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Bisous,
Léa
poetry, photos and musings oh my! 
Oh, Lea – I can’t tell you what brilliant timing you have!! One of my dear friends who will be serving time in prison soon – I’ve promised to be his private librarian 🙂 I know you won’t, but please – if you could never mention this on my blog, I’d be truly grateful. I ADORE my local book store. In fact, I think I keep them in business much of the time 🙂 xoxo
I know nothing of what you said about a friend so no fears there. Kiss your local independent book seller and your local librarian as they are real Super-heros! My kids always say that “mom needs another house just to hold all my books. I told them I couldn’t bear to be so far away.
A friend of mine was a social worker in a city jail. It wasn’t in her job description but she often looked for homeless books that would be “allowed” inside. Censorship there is intense! 🙂 xoxo
I’ve also recently joined my local library, and it’s a darling little building that I’ll send you some photos of, or heck – I might even write a blog post about it! My friend is very much into World War Two history, so I’m going to find more books like the ones he’s mentioned for him to read while he’s ‘on holiday’ 🙂
Bless your friend for giving homeless books a home, even if it’s just temporary. Censorship should be tough, but I think I’ll manage to get my friend exactly what he needs xoxo
I’ve been checking out things from the bibliotheque here. There is no card as everyone knows who you are and where you live. We are a small village of neighbours. 🙂 I might also mention that I prefer used paperbacks. There is a line in an old book/and film about used books and I will find it for you.
I have no idea what obstacles you face with censorship there. The jail in California would have blackballed Lassie! 🙂 Bon chance! Personally, I’ve never encountered a homeless book. If I find one that doesn’t belong to anyone I take it and find it a place where it will be appreciated. If it is something I am interested in, I may read it first… 🙂 xoxo
Bibliotheque – what an utterly amazing word! And how enchanting that you don’t need a library card; that you can borrow as you please 🙂 I would love to hear any of your quotes – they’re all so lovely.
Things shouldn’t be too bad, censorship wise for my friend. He’s not a voracious reader, but I think he’s about to become one xoxo
No need for cards here! I know where they live and they know where to find me. As for “due date” and returns, well they added an extra month on a post-it-note so I shouldn’t be rushed. They are helping me discover more French poets… 🙂 Yes, quotes are one of my addictions and I am not looking for recovery!
I would imagine his reading subjects to expand over time… I wish you both well. xoxo
Now, I don’t want to waste this perfect day. It is off to the beach! 🙂
Have you ever read “The Name of the Rose” by Umberto Eco? The whole book is a pleading against censorship. I agree, in keeping certain books / ideas secret for minors. But, as an adult every man and every woman should be able to access any book he or she wants. In writing “should be able to get access” I’m not only thinking about physical access. I also want them to be mentally and intellectually be able to access its content and understand the ideas behind. This means: education! Denying education is also kind of censorship! Keeping girls or farmers kids away from schools is censorship!
When my children were young, we had an agreement. They could read anything they liked but had to be prepared to discuss it. Perhaps it wouldn’t work for everyone but it did for us.
I totally agree on the mental and intellectual access and education. There are quite a number of women here who are from Morocco or Algeria who were not allowed to learn to read. I am proud that my village has provided a class for them to learn.
That’s a good facillity.
Here we have some similar problems with muslim women from Turkay, Pakistan, Afgahnistan, Iraq or so being unable to read or even speak any other language, than the one of her husband. Usually because of a forced marriage arranged by relatives / parents. Thus, they are unable to communicate or leave their hasbands in case they are cruel or despots.
You might be surprised how many Spanish and even American women cannot read at a functional level. It is terrifying!
Having books banned is my idea of a true nightmare! Nice write Lea, unusual poem 🙂 x
Thanks Becka. It was more of a commentary than a poem but it put the thought out there and that was all I cared about at the moment. The week isn’t over, perhaps there will be an actual poem? 🙂 x
The week is still young but even your commentaries sound poetic to me 🙂 x
That is very sweet! Merci beaucoup! 🙂 x
You’re welcome – just being honest! 🙂 x
🙂 x
While I have written a few more pieces, the subjects are different… lol C’est la vie!
Ah variety is what makes writing so interesting! 🙂 x
Absolutely! 🙂 x
😀 x
This is definitely a poem! And a very good and unusual one! Great piece Lea! 🙂
Love
Xxx
Thank you Christine. I had to make a statement about censorship. 🙂
Love,
Xxx
And you made it very well! 🙂
Love
Xxx
I hope it was clear? 🙂 Your support means so much!
Love
Xxx
Oh yes Lea, it was clear; you have my support without doubt 🙂 xxx
Merci beaucoup mon amie! 🙂 xxx
😊 Xx
🙂 xx