Banned Books Week, the national celebration of the Freedom to Read is underway! Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is a sponsor of Banned Books Week, and we have been joined in the celebration by members of ComicsPRO! The comics retailer trade association has been hosting displays and events all week to raise awareness of the comics that have been banned and challenged. You can show your support for banned books by visiting these retailers!
No matter where you are, you’re sure to find a Banned Books Week display near you. Let’s take a look at what ComicsPRO retailers are doing to show their support for banned comics:
California
Corner Store Comics — Banned comics display
Colorado
Muse Comics + Games — Banned comics display plus thank you gifts for shoppers who sign up for CBLDF Membership!
Louisiana
BSI Comics — Banned Comics Party on October 5! The store also features a Banned Books Week display and discussion group, a CBLDF membership drive, and an auction!
Maryland
Big Planet Comics — Banned Comics Display & CBLDF Member Drive!
Mississippi
Southern Fried Comics — Banned Comics shirts and display. For every $5 donation, customers will be entered in a drawing to win a banned books gift pack. The store is also donating 10% of sales to CBLDF!
Montana
The Splash Page — Banned comics display plus thank you gifts for shoppers who sign up for CBLDF Membership!
Muse Comics — Banned comics display plus thank you gifts for shoppers who sign up for CBLDF Membership!
Ohio
Laughing Ogre Comics — Banned comics display!
Texas
Dragon’s Lair Comics & Fantasy — Banned comics readout on Wednesday, October 3, 6:00 p.m. Additionally, a display of banned graphic novels up all week with case files for people to read, as well as a CBLDF membership drive!
Virginia
Big Planet Comics — Banned Comics Display & CBLDF Member Drive!
Laughing Ogre Comics — Banned comics display!
Washington D.C.
Big Planet Comics — Banned Comics Display & CBLDF Member Drive!
If you’re hosting a Banned Books Week event, email us at info@cbldf.org and put Banned Books Week in the subject line. We’ll add you to our list of events. If you’re looking for ways to get involved, check out our How You Can Help page. Want to spread the word? Print out this handy signage or brochure!
If you can’t make it to your local comic book shop, or if you’re having a hard time finding a copy of a banned comic, looking for the perfect t-shirt to declare that you read banned comics, or if you need a print or poster to declare your love for the freedom to read, the CBLDF Donation Center features an exclusive Banned Books Week store!
Given their visual nature, graphic novels and comic books are among the most-challenged books in libraries and schools. CBLDF is an official sponsor of Banned Books Week, which takes place September 30 – October 6, 2012. Please help support CBLDF’s defense of your right to read by making a donation or becoming a member of the CBLDF!