������ý

CHICAGO—Travel to London, South Carolina, Texas and California to learn about efforts to un-ban books by attending the free webinar, "Regional Issues for Banned Books in 2014."

In 2013, there were hundreds of reported requests for books to be removed from America’s libraries, potentially putting those volumes out of reach of students, readers and learners of all types. While every corner of the map faces unique issues related to library censorship, these issues also catalyze passionate freedom-to-read advocates dedicated to getting the books back on library shelves.

In this one-hour webinar at noon ET on Sept. 24, you will “travel” from London, to South Carolina, to Texas, to California, talking with three activists about the problems they face and their efforts to un-ban books, as well as Congresswoman Linda Sánchez about why their efforts are so important. Registration for the webinar is free, but spaces are limited: .

• London, U.K.: Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of , will discuss issues faced outside of the U.S. and how Index chooses to respond.
• Charleston, S.C.: The graphic novel “Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic” by Alison Bechdel has been a flashpoint in a university funding controversy. Hear from Shelia Harrell-Roye, a committee member from . With the 2014 Banned Books Week focus on , Harrell-Roye will discuss what her group has been doing to support this critically acclaimed book.
• Houston: Hear from , author, radio host, and leader of . Diaz is a champion for banned books and for ethnic studies textbooks in both Arizona and Texas.

This banned books journey will end in California where , of the state’s 38^th District, will offer some closing remarks about why the freedom to read is so important for our nation’s future. Afterward, ’s Ed McBride will wrap up the conversation from Thousand Oaks, Calif.

The webinar takes place during Banned Books Week, Sept. 21-27, an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. SAGE is the sponsor of the webinar and the ������ý Office for Intellectual Freedom is a co-sponsor.

For more information on Banned Books Week: .

###