Story by ADIA REYNOLDS Photos by ABIGAIL SHEARER
Tiger Media Network
Last Thursday, the Hays Public Library hosted its third annual “Blind Date with a Banned Book” in the common area to promote conversation, socialization, and expanding readership of banned literature. The library has hosted banned book events to raise awareness for years, though only in the last three have they taken advantage of this trendy format. Books were placed on display racks and scattered around the room, but with a slight twist. No one could see the cover of the book until it had been selected to be checked out by a patron of the library, A “blind date” with a book involves wrapping the novels in paper or placing them in manila envelopes with brief descriptions of why the title was challenged.
Certain titles were easily guessed, such as “Harry Potter” and “The Giver.” These were quickly plucked off the shelf and checked out by nostalgic readers. Those looking to expand their tastes, however, selected their next read based only on the reasons the book had been banned in the United States. One such reader, Ashley Vilaysing, explained that her selection was influenced by the AR Bookshelf Event held at the Fort Hays Memorial Union earlier that week.
“I had a feeling that this was one of the titles I hadn’t read… it opened me up to a book I wouldn’t normally have picked,” Vilaysing said.
Blind Date with a Banned Book was designed to draw more readers into the contentious realm of banned literature and discussions surrounding the topic, especially when book bans are still soaring in comparison to decades prior.
The primary goal of this year’s event was to craft a welcoming atmosphere that would entice new and returning readers of banned literature alike. With the help of staff, the central area of the library was transformed into a lively affair stocked with enough activities, sparkling cider, and chocolates to go around. Librarian Sara Doyle also paired the “Blind Date with a Banned Book” with another event: t-shirt making. Bookish designs such as “Born to Read, Forced to Work” and “Introverted but Willing to Discuss Books” were ironed on to black or white t-shirts according to participants’ preference.
While participants waited for an open ironing station, they could browse the banned books stationed around the room. Participants happily claimed titles that piqued their interest, exclaiming that “We do judge a book by its cover!” Alternatively, the blind aspect allowed readers to take a leap of faith into unfamiliar territory in a “novel” way. As a result of this event alongside the many others happening on the FHSU campus (such as the aforementioned AR Bookshelf), librarians reported their highest banned book check-out rate in the history of Banned Book Awareness Week in Hays.
“It is important to us that books make it out to the people who need it… we’re here to promote literacy,” Doyle said.
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