Every year, La Crosse libraries, bookstores and other connected groups celebrate Banned Books Week with colorful displays, signage and social media posts that spark conversations about the freedom to read. This annual event encourages readers to reflect on the power of literature and the dangers of censorship that continue today.
One local favorite, Pearl Street Books, has been an active part of the celebration. In the past, the downtown bookstore has hosted in-store readings where community members shared passages from their favorite banned or challenged books, turning the shop into a gathering space for open discussion and shared appreciation of literature.
“Beyond the week itself, we keep the conversation going year-round with brown paper tags labeled ‘Banned and Challenged Book’ that we place with these titles throughout our store to help bring awareness to them,” said Pearl Street Books.
This small but powerful gesture reminds readers that censorship is an ongoing issue, not just something of the past.
This year’s Banned Books Week theme, “Censorship is so 1984,” was a nod to George Orwell’s classic novel “1984” about government control and surveillance. This theme is especially timely, serving as a reminder that limiting access to ideas, continues to threaten the freedom to read and think critically.
“To celebrate Banned Books Week this year, we facilitated a Banned Book Fair at The Root Note, in partnership with The Center, the La Crosse Public Library and The Root Note. Together, we aimed to offer an event that focused on banned books, access, and connection,” said Pearl Street Books.
A moment from the fair included a talk with Ben Greene, author of “My Child is Trans, Now What?” who joined attendees for a meaningful conversation about representation and parental support. Also on site were the La Crosse Public Library team, who answered questions, signed people up for library cards and shared helpful resources about access and advocacy.
Pearl Street Books also brought a full collection of banned and challenged titles from the store to The Root Note, giving visitors a chance to browse and buy books that have faced censorship for their thought-provoking content and perspectives.
“We hosted the Banned Book Fair to help make these stories more accessible, to give people the opportunity to discover voices they might not otherwise hear, and to stand in solidarity with those who have been marginalized or silenced. Banned books are often targeted because they challenge norms, celebrate diversity, and spark difficult but necessary conversations,” said Pearl Street Books.
By hosting the fair, Pearl Street Books and its community partners emphasized that books have the power to connect people, broaden perspectives and challenge injustice. Events like this remind readers that the right to read freely is not something to take for granted.
“We believe these stories are essential, and that everyone deserves the freedom to read,” said Pearl Street Books.
