Penn State Scranton celebrates the freedom to read at Banned Books Read-Out

DUNMORE, Pa. — Celebrating literary freedom and taking a stand against censorship, a dozen faculty, staff and students gathered in Penn State Scranton’s library on Oct. 9 to take part in the 2025 Banned Books Read-Out, an annual event organized by Reference and Instruction Librarian Kristin Green and Assistant Teaching Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences James Hart.

Held in conjunction with the nationwide observance of Banned Books Week, this year’s event embraced the theme “Censorship is So 1984” — a nod to George Orwell’s iconic novel and a bold reminder of the dangers of literary suppression.

Participants read excerpts from books that have personal significance to them, and which have also faced bans or challenges across the country by schools and/or libraries. The selections ranged from the beloved children’s classic, “Goodnight Moon,” by Margaret Wise Brown, which was banned from the New York Public Library from its publication in 1947 until 1972, (due to one librarian’s personal dislike of the book), to the young adult novel “Looking for Alaska,” by John Green.

The readings highlighted the power of stories to reflect diverse voices, spark dialogue and expand understanding.

For Hart, the event has even larger implications.

“I think the most important amendment is the First Amendment," Hart said. "People are always worried about losing the Second Amendment, but as long as we still have freedom of speech, we’ve got a way to stand up for all our other rights.”

The Banned Books Read-Out has been a recurring event at Penn State Scranton since 2018, (having taken a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic), serving as a platform for advocacy, reflection and opposition to censorship. Over the years, it has grown into a meaningful tradition for members of the campus community who believe in intellectual freedom.

It has served to create a time and space where all members of the campus community can come together and share literature that personally resonates with them, Green explained.

“Protecting intellectual freedom is a core personal value of mine, as I believe it is a true hallmark of a free society in which the exchange of ideas is not only permissible but encouraged,” she said. “Organizing the Banned Books Read Out is organizing a celebration of our intellectual freedom.”

For his part, Hart said, he gets a sense of satisfaction from organizing and participating in the event each year.

“I enjoy working with Kristin, the library staff and all who participated in reading from their favorite banned books. It’s quite the eyeopener when you hear what's being banned in our country," Hart said. "If you don't fight for your freedoms every day, you will lose them.”