September is Let Freedom Read Month at JCL
Celebrate literacy, the library, and the right to read with these engaging opportunities created just for you.
Beanstack
Beanstack Challenge
Log all your Let Freedom Read activities throughout the month on Beanstack for a chance to win a prize at the end!
Speakers
JCL-Arnold | 9/27 | 5-7 PM | All Ages
State Representative Phil Amato, former JCL Board of Trustees
Representative Phil Amato won the election to the Missouri House of Representatives in November 2022, becoming the chamber’s “oldest freshman.” Mr. Amato will discuss his transition from public library trustee to state legislator and library advocate as part of JCL’s Let Freedom Read programming.
JCL-Northwest | 9/14 | 1 PM | Adults 19+
JCL-Windsor | 9/26 | 6 PM | Adults 19+
Michael Booker, Associate Dean of Humanities at JEFFCO
"That Which May Not Be Spoken:
Censorship in American Life"
In this presentation on the history of censorship in the United States, Dr. Michael Booker will lead us in looking at famous cases from the past and at current controversies about what should be on the shelf in your local library.
Marissa Sandbothe,
Oasis Education Manager
"Ernest Hemingway:
The Man Behind the Myth"
We know him for his love of bullfighting, drinking and revolutionary writing style, but who is the man behind the legend of Ernest Hemingway? Learn about his first love, which inspired one of his greatest novels, his experiences as a journalist across the world, and why Hemingway is still remembered as one of the greatest American writers to this day.
JCL-Northwest | 9/27 | 3-4:30 PM | Adults 19+
Book Discussions
Let Freedom Read Book Discussion - Banned or Challenged Books
JCL-Arnold | 9/19 | 6-7 PM | 18+
Info and registration here. Get a free copy of a reading log with your registration while supplies last.
Let Freedom Read Book Discussion - Banned or Challenged Books
JCL-Northwest | 9/26 | 10:30 AM-12 PM | Adults
Info and registration here. The first 10 people to register for this discussion will receive a free JCL branded notebook!
Let Freedom Read Book Discussion - Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
JCL-Windsor | 9/28 | 7-7:45 PM | Adults
Info and registration here.
Book Clubs for Kids & Teens
Kids' Book Club
JCL-Northwest | 9/16 | 3-4 PM | 7-12y
Kick off our NEW book club for ages 7-12!
Info here.
Candy Book Club
JCL-Windsor | 9/28 | 5:30-6:30 PM | 13-18y
Discuss books, make a craft, and eat candy, all about this month’s theme: Pirates.
Registration required.
Info and registration here.
Kids' Classes
Art Masters Class: Faith Ringgold
JCL-Arnold | 9/13 | 4:30-5:15 PM | 6-14y
Learn about artist and award-winning children's illustrator Faith Ringgold, and create your own project based on her work!
Registration required.
Info and registration here.
Would You Rather? Page-Turning Book Questions: A Kids Learn Class
JCL-Arnold | 9/21 | 2:30-3:30 PM | 5-16y
Would you rather attend Hogwarts or My Weird School? Be friends with Cat in the Hat or Pete the Cat? Debate these and other book questions.
Registration required.
Info and registration here.
Events & Activites
And don't miss these special events...
Manhattan Short Film Festival
MANHATTAN SHORT is the only film festival of its kind.
Read all about it here. The films are unrated and intended for adults.
Banned Books Bingo
JCL-Northwest | 9/21 |6-7 PM | 13-18y
Have you ever read any banned books? Probably! Play Bingo & see!
Registration required.
More info and registration here.
Storytime at Mastodon State Historic Site
9/25 & 9/26 | 10-11:30 AM | 2-5y
Enjoy the great outdoors, and the book theme: Pancakes!
Registration required.
More info and registration here.
Library Champions
Library Champions! The Refer-A-Friend Program
What better way to celebrate September's theme than by equipping a friend with a library card - giving them access to the millions of resources at JCL?
And we're excited to celebrate people like YOU, who champion the library.
Here's what to do:
Tell your friend about everything a JCL card would unlock for them!
When they sign up for a library card, ask them to let us know that you referred them.
We'll contact you through the info we've got on file.
Come pick up your limited-edition Library Champion mug!
*While supplies last.
Hooplapalooza
Go wild on hoopla this month!
We've increased our borrowing budget through September to celebrate libraries, reading, and our readers - that's you!
Learn More
Banned and Challenged Books
A list of Top 100 Most Banned and Challenged Books: 2010-2019, from the American Library Association, can be found here.
Censorship
Facts and figures about censorship, from the American Library Association, can be found here.