Banned Book Week is September 22-28 this year, and a good opportunity to highlight the many books that are very much worth reading despite having been banned at some point in their history.

The Women’s University Club offers 8 Book Clubs and celebrates Banned Books throughout September. “We are so thrilled to have the participation of all of our Book Clubs, as well as our two Libraries this year. We’ve pulled together some impressive programs for actual Banned Book Week to call attention to the place in history banned books hold, “ says Ginny Follett, Literature Trustee.

In addition to reading Banned Books, the Women’s University Club is also hosting several speakers with key roles. Bo Kinney, Circulation Services Manager at Seattle Public Libraries (SPL), will speak about the Books Unbanned program at SPL. This wildly successful program offers free access to digital books for teens and young adults, including those about people of color and LGBTQ+ populations. Over 9,000 young people signed up for a card to Books Unbanned from all 50 of the United States, Guam and Puerto Rico.

Washington State not only offers access to banned books, it passed HB 2331, which prohibits the banning of certain books or instructional material in public schools, and requires schools to incorporate the history and contribution of people from marginalized groups into school curricula. MomsRising, a multicultural social welfare organization advocating for issues that impact women, mothers, and families, led a Washington legislative campaign that was instrumental in getting this legislation passed.

Not sure what to read during Banned Book Week? Seattle Public Libraries has composed a list for teens.

Photo by Alley Rutzel Photography.

About the Women’s University Club

“We Laugh. We Learn. We Lead.” From these words, the Women’s University Club of Seattle has embraced a culture of respect, integrity and inclusivity for over a century. A gracious landmark presence in the heart of downtown, WUC is the perfect place to celebrate your perfect wedding or other memory-making celebration. We also welcome those who want to be part of our mission as Seattle’s women-led social and learning club. www.womensuniversityclub.com

The Women’s University Club of Seattle Foundation, a public charitable trust established in 2005, supports scholarship, historic preservation, and community education and outreach.