The D.C. Public Library kicked off Banned Book Week on Sept. 25 with “UNCENSORED: Information Antics” at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.
The library opened its doors for the the beginning of a month-long art exhibition, titled “UNCENSORED: Information Antics,” a free art show that will run until Oct. 22.
Various artists, such as Kelly Towles, Nekisha Durrett and Nancy Daly displayed their work, all of which explore how information is used and often misused in the technological age. The Banned Book Week event also includes mixologists who craft cocktails that draw inspiration from banned books. The “Shug Avery” drink, based off of “The Color Purple,” seemed to be a crowd favorite, with hoards of people crowding the drink station where it was being served.
The book community has celebrated Banned Book Week since 1982, with participation from hundreds of libraries across the United States. Libraries celebrate the right to write, read and express without the fear of censorship by displaying banned books and hosting events.
“UNCENSORED: Information Antics” will run from Sept. 25 to Oct. 22.