MOUNT VERNON — The Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County joins libraries and bookstores across the nation in observing Banned Books Week, October 5 to 11.
This year’s community read is Octavia Butler’s dystopian novel, Parable of the Sower.
“Butler’s writing is beautiful and powerful, and we chose this book because its events take place 2024-2027, so it’s enjoying a resurgence in popularity on Bookstagram right now,” says Jamie Lyn Smith-Fletcher, Deputy Director of Development, Special Projects and Writing Programs at the Library.
“Octavia Butler is the queen of science fiction and it’s great to see her work in the hands of new and returning readers.”
Banned Books Week events include:
● Lunchtime Book Discussion, Parable of the Sower: Librarian Christie invites participants to a lively luncheon and discussion! The Library is offering a limited number of complimentary box lunches to patrons who register online at https://tinyurl.com/325ty3bz by the Sept. 30 deadline.
A limited number of free copies of Parable of the Sower will be available to event attendees on a first come, first-served basis.
The luncheon is Tuesday, October 7th, 2025 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Mount Vernon Library’s West Parking Lot, 201 North Mulberry Street, Mount Vernon. Rain site: Multipurpose Room (Ground Floor).
● Screening and Discussion of Banned Together. This award-winning documentary follows three students and their adult allies as they fight to reinstate books to their school libraries.
The post-film discussion will include tips on what you can do to preserve the freedom to read, and awesome snacks. Free visitor parking is available in the College Drive garage, and Oden Hall is fully ADA accessible.
This event is open to attendees age 18+ but younger patrons are welcome to attend if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The event will take place Tuesday, Oct. 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. in Kenyon College Oden Hall Auditorium, 107 College Drive, Gambier.
● Banned, Challenged, and Censored Books Exhibit: Throughout history, books have been challenged, banned, and censored. Today, the United States is witnessing a dramatic rise in book bans and challenges.
This exhibit seeks to pull out five broad categories of why books have been banned both historically and in the current moment. Curated by the staff of Special Collections & Archives.
This exhibit is viewable through mid-October during Library hours at Chalmers Library, Kenyon College, 103 College Drive, Gambier.
Banned Books Week draws national attention to the essential freedoms of speech, press and expression for readers and writers alike, and is an initiative of the American Library Association.
All Library programs are free and open to the public. For more information about Banned Books Week activities, please visit www.knox.net, email Jamie Lyn Smith-Fletcher at
knoxwrites1@gmail.com or call 740-392-2665 EXT. 8259.