In celebration of Banned Books Week, the Lewes Public Library welcomes Delaware Shakespeare.

Libraries in every state are facing an unprecedented number of attempts to ban books. The American Library Association (ALA) found challenges of unique titles surged 65% in 2023 compared to 2022 numbers, reaching the highest level ever documented by ALA. Pressure groups in 2023 focused on public libraries in addition to targeting school libraries. The number of titles targeted for censorship at public libraries increased by 92% over the previous year, accounting for about 46% of all book challenges in 2023; school libraries saw an 11% increase over 2022 numbers.

When books are banned, the voices of the author and the characters are silenced and readers are closed off to people, places, and perspectives. By standing up for stories, the power that lies inside every book is unleashed, and the array of voices that need to be heard and the scenes that need to be seen are liberated.

Join us in the library or online for a performance featuring three actors reading moving selections from some of the most popular—and most censored—books in America. They will also bring to life the authors’ own words about the harm in censoring the authors’ and others’ works.
Delaware Shakespeare is based in Wilmington and envisions a Delaware where people from all walks of life celebrate and explore their shared humanity through the lens of Shakespearean works. Inspired by Shakespeare’s creative vision and the broad societal mix of audiences of his era, Delaware Shakespeare brings the community together for vibrant theatre and learning experiences.

Each individual attending must register.

This program is brought to you by the library's Spoken Word Society, which celebrates the tradition and artistry of oral storytelling through lectures, performances, discussions, demonstrations, and other publicly-shared experiences. The LSWS is partially funded by the generous support of the Freedom to Read Foundation, Browseabout Books, Cape Henlopen Lodge #2540, John and Sally Freeman Foundation, Sussex County Department of Libraries, M & T Charitable Foundation, Sussex County Council, Rotary Club of Lewes-Rehoboth Beach, and the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. The Division promotes Delaware arts events on DelawareScene.com.

NOTE: this session is available to attend in-person or through Zoom. You MUST REGISTER and indicate which you prefer.

If you need assistance with registration or getting your Zoom invitation, please email us.

Basic written instructions for using Zoom may be found here and a brief video tutorial may be found here. Closed captioning is available for all our sessions. Information on enabling closed captioning in Zoom may be found here.