Enjoy the adventure of reading

In the week just past, libraries across the nation shined a spotlight on Banned Books Week, a celebration of something simple but powerful: the Freedom to Read. Banned Books Week was established in 1982 by the American Library Association's Office of Intellectual Freedom. At its heart, the week isn’t about what people shouldn’t read; it’s about the joy of being able to pick up the book that speaks to you for whatever reason.

Books come in all shapes and sizes, just like us, and just like readers. Some make us laugh or cry, some make us think or frustrate us, and some help us see the world through someone else’s eyes, which we know helps grow our empathy and sense of connection to others. I believe that connection is so vital. The beauty of a library is that there is no one-size-fits-all. You get to choose the story that fits your mood, your interests, your needs or your curiosity.

Banned Books Week is a reminder that reading is an adventure we each get to chart for ourselves. So why not celebrate? Visit any of the excellent libraries we have here in Illinois. We'd love to see you! Try a book you’ve never read before, and see where it takes you, like a Jane Austen read as we approach her 250th anniversary. You might discover a new old favorite.

After all, the best part of reading is that the story is always yours to choose on your own lifelong learning path.

Annie M. Miskewitch, Executive Director

Schaumburg Township Public Library