Oct. 4-12: Banned Books Week Events
Find a full list of activities happening here at Plymouth or in our community for Banned Books Week in October!
Events at Plymouth Church
Banned: Hazardous Materials Art Exhibit
New York City photographer and visual artist Diane King (also creating under the name @hashtag). Photography and collage images, each focusing on a banned book, created by New York artist Diane King, also creating under the name @Hashtag.
WHEN: Sept. 6 through Oct. 18 in Waveland Gallery (hall outside of Waveland)
Artist’s Video
Diane King, featured artist, has provided a 13-minute video supporting her artwork in the gallery exhibit. The video will be available for viewing in the Peace Conference Room at scheduled times.
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 4 to Sunday, Oct. 12
Artist Workshop: Registration required!
Work with artist Diane King, learn about her creative process and focus on social issues, and make a collage based on a banned book. This event will be in Greenwood/Burling. All ages welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
This event is free, but space is limited. Click here to register.
Artist Reception
Meet and visit with artist Diane King, tour the exhibit, and enjoy a reception with light refreshments in Common Grounds and the Waveland Gallery.
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 4 from 6-7:30 p.m.
Diane King in Forum
Join us in Forum to hear from Diane King.
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 5 from 10-10:50 a.m.
Lunch and Learn: Registration required!
Join our panelists for a light lunch and learn about the current status of censorship and banned books in Iowa and beyond.
Panelists include:
Kevin and Molly Cooney, moderators
Janet Petersen, Iowa State Senator
Anita Fleming Rife, Black Child Development Institute
Sara Parris, Annie’s Foundation
Mark Stringer, Executive Director, Iowa ACLU
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 5 at 12:15 p.m.
This event is free, but we need a headcount for food. Click here to register.
Book Exchange for Children and Youth
Similar to a little free library, families are encouraged to bring new or used children's and young adult books to Plymouth’s Waveland Hall and then select books to take home. All books, banned or otherwise, are encouraged.
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 4 to Sunday, Oct. 12
Community Events
Book Readings at the Des Moines Pride Center
OUT Loud readings at The Des Moines Pride Center in Mickle Center for all ages.
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 5 p.m. (children), 6 p.m. (young adults), and 7 p.m. (adults)
WHERE: Pride Center, 1629 Pleasant St. in DSM)
“The Librarians” Documentary
Drake University and Varsity Cinema will co-host a special screening of the documentary “The Liberians”.
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Varsity Cinema (1207 25th St. in DSM)
Author Visit: Amanda Jones
Drake University hosts Amanda Jones, author of “That Librarian: Fighting Book Banners in Today’s America”. This book explores the importance of libraries serving a wide range of perspectives and the pushback she and other librarians have faced speaking up for the right to read.
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Olmstead Center on the Drake campus (2875 University Ave. in DSM)
Annual Banned Books Festival
Beaverdale Books and Annie’s Foundation host the Annual Banned Book Festival.
WHEN: Saturday, October 11 from 12-5 p.m.
WHERE: Franklin Junior High (4801 Franklin Ave. in DSM)