Let's celebrate our right to read

The week of September 25 to October 2, 2010 is this year's annual Banned Books Week. Sponsored by the American Library Association and associations of booksellers, journalists, and publishers, Banned Books Week reminds us that we have the freedom to read, to explore ideas, and to think for ourselves. But this basic American First Amendment right is often contested and cannot be taken for granted. Looking over the ALA's list of frequently challenged books, I note that one of my favorite novels, To Kill a Mockingbird, offended someone and that other books (The Grapes of Wrath and the Harry Potter series) and authors (Kurt Vonnegut) beloved by me have been prohibited. I understand that frightening and offensive words and ideas can elicit strong antipathy. There are certainly books and films whose content and ideas I personally find repulsive and/or dangerous. But our American tradition of free speech protects others from me as well as me from others -- and, perhaps most importantly, me from myself! My First Amendment Rights to free thought and association always make me proud and grateful to be an American.