September 30th to October 6th, libraries around the country promote Banned Books Week, celebrating the freedom to read!  This year, the Highland Park Public Library is participating in the Virtual Read-Out, a program in which we video record YOU reading a passage from one of your favorite banned or challenged books!  These videos are then shared online on our Youtube channel and with the American Library Association's Banned Books Week Virtual Read-Out Youtube channel.

How can you join with us to make Virtual Read-Out Videos?

1.  Choose a book that's been banned or challenged and that you enjoy or has special meaning to you.  You can view a list of classic works that have been banned or challenged; see the most frequently challenged from 1990-1999; and also the most frequently challenged from 2000-2009.

2.  Find a favorite passage in that book and make note of it!

3.  Come to the library with your book, starting Monday, October 1st through Saturday, October 6th, and speak to a librarian at the Reference Desk.

4.  Be ready to read your passage out loud and in front of the camera!

5.  Sign the release form, allowing us to share your video with the world!  If you're under the age of 18, you'll need to have a parent or legal guardian sign your release form.

6.  Take a moment to introduce your book and then read it for our cameras, in a loud and clear voice!

Questions?  Stop by or call us at the Reference Desk at 847-681-7031 or email us at hppla@hplibrary.org!