Banned Books Fair at SUNY Oneonta Celebrates Intellectual Freedom
By FLORECITA SILVERIO
SUNY Institute for Local News
ONEONTA
Every October, libraries and schools around the United States use Banned Books Week to celebrate intellectual freedom and educate the public about the dangers of censorship. For 2025, the American Library Association, which facilitates these events nationwide, adopted the theme “Censorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights.” SUNY Oneonta joined in the celebration with a Banned Books Fair on Wednesday, October 8.
As the “fair” title suggested, the evening event in Lee Hall’s Great Room brought a fun, festive atmosphere to a very serious topic. There were raffles for books and tote bags plus readings from banned books, which were delivered in karaoke form.
For the Banned Books Karaoke, participants were invited to stand up with their favorite banned book. They were then given up to one minute to read a passage. A string of students and faculty took part, reading passages from the likes of “Paradise Lost” by John Milton, “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas, and “How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi, a former SUNY Oneonta faculty member. The first five volunteers to join the karaoke received the gift of a free book.
Aracely Lopez and Justice Tinker were two of the SUNY Oneonta students who read passages aloud during the karaoke session. Lopez, a sophomore dual-majoring in anthropology and media studies, said she feels it is important to call attention to book challenges and bans.
