BANNED BOOKS WEEK 2014: September 21-27
From the webpage:
The ALA [American Library Association] promotes the freedom to choose or the freedom to express one’s opinions even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular and stresses the importance of ensuring the availability of those viewpoints to all who wish to read them.
A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others. As such, they are a threat to freedom of speech and choice.
The ALA has numerous resources that focus on U.S.-centric issues on banning books.
For a more international perspective, see: List of books banned by governments at Wikipedia. The list of one hundred and seventeen (117) entries there is illustrative and not exhaustive in terms of books banned in any particular country. Check entries for specific countries and/or with government representatives for a specific country if in doubt.
I was surprised to find that Australia banned The Anarchist Cookbook (1971), which on initial publication needed serious editing and now needs revision and updating. (Caveat: I haven’t seen the 2002 revision.) On the other hand, it is one of the few non-sexual titles you will find at: Banned Books in Australia: A Selection.
If you want an erotica reading list, starting with the two hundred and fifty (250) titles banned by Australia is a good starting point. The Aussies omit Catullus for some unknown reason so you will have to pencil him into the list.
Censorship is proof positive of a closed mind.
Do you have a closed mind?