In a bit of irony, the 25th anniversary of Banned Books Week overlaps with Constitution Week this year. Constitution Week runs from Sept. 17 to 23 and Banned Books Week takes place from Sept. 23 through 30.

Observed since 1982, Banned Books Week celebrates the freedom and reminds Americans not to take this precious democratic freedom for granted. This freedom is guaranteed in our Constitution, specifically in the Bill of Rights.

The following was ratified on December 15, 1791: "Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

I am particularly fond of what Ben Franklin had to say about this: "Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freeness of speech."

For educational purposes, I have provided a list of books that have been banned and the reasons why.

-- Merriam-Webster New Collegiate Dictionary: "defines 'obscene' words"

-- Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: "If there is a possibility that something might be controversial, then why not eliminate it?"

-- The Light in the Attic: by Shel Silverstein: "encourages children to break dishes so they won't have to dry them."

-- The Crucible by Arthur Miller: "garbage being passed off as literature"

-- The Diary of Anne Frank: "Its' a real downer."

The theme for Banned Books Week 2006 is: "Read Banned Books, They're Your Ticket To Freedom."

Stop by the library to see our display and pick up a button to wear in celebration of your freedom. And those of you who would like to celebrate by getting a new library card will get a free book as well.

New books

Fiction:

"Happiness Sold Separately" -- Lolly Winston

Non-Fiction:

"Looming Tower" -- Lawrence Wright

"I Feel Bad About My Neck" -- Nora Ephron

"The One Minute Apology" -- Ken Blanchard

Library events

Preschool Story Time -- each Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. Games, stories, crafts. Appropriate for children approximately 3 to 7 years old.

Pajama Story Time -- each Monday at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Wear your jammies or come as you are. Games, crafts, stories.

Wee Ones Lap Time Story Time -- for babies up to 24 months old, each Wednesday at 10 a.m. Interactive finger play and song time for mothers and babies.

Travel With Lewis & Clark Series -- every other Tuesday of the month, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Moderated by Marvin Wilhite.

How can I support the Marshall Public Library?

Bring your receipts from Patricia's into the library when you're returning or checking out books. Each month, Patricia's Foods will donate a portion of the collected receipts to the library.

When purchasing items from Amazon.com, use the link to Amazon that appears on the Marshall Public Library's website: www.marshallpubliclibrary.com. A portion of your purchase will go to support the library.

Consider joining Friends of the Marshall Libraries. Membership forms are available at the library.

Honor a mentor. Celebrate a friend. Commemorate an event. A gift to the Marshall Public Library is a unique and enduring way to pay tribute to friends and family. Your generosity will be a lasting source of joy and enrichment for the community.

For additional information, please call (660) 886-3391 with any questions.