Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom To Read

Banned Books Week is September 27 - October 4, 2008!

Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read is observed during the last week of September each year. Observed since 1982, the annual event reminds Americans not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted.

1. “And Tango Makes Three,” by Justin Richardson/Peter Parnell
Reasons: Anti-Ethnic, Sexism, Homosexuality, Anti-Family, Religious Viewpoint, Unsuited to Age Group

2. “The Chocolate War,” by Robert Cormier
Reasons: Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Violence

3. “Olive’s Ocean,” by Kevin Henkes
Reasons: Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language

4. “The Golden Compass,” by Philip Pullman
Reasons: Religious Viewpoint

5. “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” by Mark Twain
Reasons: Racism

6. “The Color Purple,” by Alice Walker
Reasons: Homosexuality, Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language,

7. “TTYL,” by Lauren Myracle
Reasons: Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Unsuited to Age Group

8. “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” by Maya Angelou
Reasons: Sexually Explicit

9. “It’s Perfectly Normal,” by Robie Harris
Reasons: Sex Education, Sexually Explicit

10. “The Perks of Being A Wallflower,” by Stephen Chbosky
Reasons: Homosexuality, Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Unsuited to Age Group

Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one’s opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to read them. After all, intellectual freedom can exist only where these two essential conditions are met.


Banned Books Week is sponsored by the American Booksellers Association, American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, American Library Association, American Society of Journalists and Authors, Association of American Publishers, National Association of College Stores, and is endorsed by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.

Banned Books Week is now on Myspace and Facebook. Check it out!

Christopher Paolini's "Brisingr" Is Here!

The much anticipated third book in the Inheritance Cycle has arrived!

A brief description of "Brisingr" by Christopher Paolini found on the Borders site... "Following the colossal battle against the Empire's warriors on the Burning Plains, Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have narrowly escaped with their lives. Still there is more at hand for the Rider and his dragon, as Eragon finds himself bound by a tangle of promises he may not be able to keep."

For more information about Christopher Paolini and his Inheritance Cycle visit the following link. There are even games and activities for you there. http://www.alagaesia.com/index.php

Watch a video of the author leading a young adult book group and answering questions about the series and himself from young adults like you... http://www.bordersmedia.com/shows/bookclub/paolini.asp?cmpid=SL_20080923_REW

Good News for "Twilight" Fans... Bad News for Harry Potter Fans...

Instead of coming out in November, "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" will now be released on July 19, 2009.

Because of the Harry Potter delay, fans of "Twilight" will be so excited. The movie is now opening three weeks earlier and taking the NOVEMBER 21st slot!

Be sure to click on the titles above to find out more about these much anticipated movies...

"Twilight" Book Discussion At The Essex Library

Please Join Us For An Evening of "Twilight" Based Discussion At The Essex Library...

Who: Mother and Daughter Fans of the Twilight Saga

When: Tuesday, October 14th, 6:30-7:30pm During Teen Read Week!


Both Mothers and Daughter have really been enjoying this book series, so we thought we'd get a group together to talk about it before the movie comes out. You don't need to bring your mother OR your daughter to have fun with this group. Just read the book and show up. Snacks will be served...

Books are available to check out at the Essex Library. Drop by or give us a call to let us know you are going to attend this much anticipated book group event at 767-1560 or jmccann@essexlib.org.

For more information about "Twilight" visit the author's website at http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/twilightseries.html

Another New Staff Member Has Arrived At The Essex Library!

Jessica Branciforte has joined the staff as our new Children’s and Young Adult Assistant. Jessica recently graduated from CCSU with a degree in Elementary Education and will begin pursuing a Master’s degree in Library Science this month at SCSU. A resident of Cromwell, Jessica has been an active volunteer at the Cromwell Belden Library on many children’s and Young Adult programs including some enthusiastic appearances as ‘Fancy Nancy’. She brings a long list of experience dealing with children and young adults and is looking forward to meeting and working with Essex families.

Be sure to say hi to Jessica on your next visit to the Library and let her know what you would like her to plan for the young adults of our community...

Last Minute Back to School Information...

Not finished with your VRHS summer reading project? Can't find the packet the school sent home with you in June?? No problem! Click on this link http://vrhs.com/index.asp?school=vr, then click on the "Summer Reading" link on the right side of the page. You will be able to view and print the pdf copy of the packet. Have Fun!

For JWMS click on http://vrhs.com/index.asp?school=jw, then click on the "Summer Reading" Assignment" link on the right side of the page. You will be able to view and print the pdf copy of the packet. Good Luck!

WhereCan You Find the Bus Schedule for VRHS or JWMS?

No Problem... Click on this link below...

http://www.region4schools.com/pdf/Bus%20Routes/2008-2009%20Bus%20Route.pdf

Best of Luck on Your First Day of the New School Year!!

Pizza and Gaming Party for High School Aged Teens!

Tuesday, August 26th, 6:30-8pm
in the Program Room of the Essex Library

Teens of high school age are invited to a Pizza and Gaming Party. The Wii, DDR and Guitar Hero, also Chess and Backgammon will be available, along with lots of pizza and snacks. We thought it would be a fun way to end the summer before heading back to school. Get your friends together and plan to have a fun time at the library.

Please Judie McCann to let her know if you will be attending so that she can be sure to have plenty of food on hand... 767-1560 or jmccann@essexlib.org