BROOKINGS – “Censorship Leaves Us in the Dark: Keep the Light On” is this year’s theme for National Banned Books Week, Sept. 22-28. 

The Brookings High School Library celebrated the freedom to read by working with Sharon King’s honors English classes for a breakout room activity. Students worked through various clues to open five different kinds of locks while learning information about censorship, why some books have been banned throughout the world, and why it is important to support the freedom to read and to allow individual choices in education and in democracy. 

BHS Librarian Jean Kirschenman presented background information before the breakout activity, and students further explored in groups to solve the various puzzles.

Students expressed their reactions to the activities. Francie Grimsley said that it was very engaging and informative, and that “it felt very competitive and it was a great team building exercise.” 

“I loved the escape room and learned a lot about banned books as well,” Samyok Nepal said. “I loved the fact that it was presented in such an interactive manner.”

“The escape room was so fun,” Isabella Portz said. “When I figured out the clues, it made me feel like I was understanding the topic of banned books more than my prior knowledge on the topic. It was so competitive towards the end. There were a few obstacles to overcome, but overall the activity was a great way to engage with my classmates over the topic of banned books and the reasoning behind why there becomes an issue with some books.” 

Bidhi Kasu agreed. “I thought that the escape room and presentation were a great way to learn about banned books. I learned a lot, and I was also shocked about some of the titles on the list.”

A book can be labeled as “a banned book” (meaning that it has been banned or removed somewhere) for many different reasons. Reasons may include profanity, LGBTQ+ content or mature themes. 

On the flip side, many books have been challenged or banned for having religious content or material that is deemed too conservative. 

Abby Schuldt said that she learned a lot about why a book might be banned or challenged. “I learned that a lot of books I read as a child, that I hold dear to my heart, were banned for weird things. Harry Potter for occult practices? Hunger Games for violence? OK, that’s fair ... maybe a younger student shouldn’t be reading that. I also learned how to use the library directory/online search.”

Kirschenman said, “This activity allowed the students to delve deeply into the topic of the freedom to read. This issue is at the forefront of library work, so I really enjoyed sharing part of my work and mission with students. We started planning this activity in June; it was great to see it come together and hear the students’ reactions and insights.”