Paderborn University students exploring banned and challenged books in a seminar lead by club members Andrea and Beth are collaborating with PADERBORN2READ—The English Book Club to organize an event all about contested literature, the cultural and political discourses at work and the ethical dimensions of book censorship and banning.
Opening (2.00–2.15 p.m.)
PADERBORN2READ Red List & Contested Literature Exhibition (2.15–2.45 p.m.)
A red list will name every banned or challenged book PADERBORN2READ has discussed so far. Alongside the list, a book exhibition will provide an opportunity to look at those contested texts. The list and exhibition will be open all afternoon, a half-hour focus session at 2.15 p.m. will provide additional information researched by club member Maty.
Student Projects Exhibition (2.45–3.45 p.m.)
An interactive exhibition will be showcasing student projects from the seminar “Banned Books: Exploring Contested Literature”. The exhibition will be open all afternoon, a one-hour focus session at 2.45 p.m. will provide an opportunity to listen to students’ presentations of their projects and engage in games and quizzes.
Banned Book Quiz (3.45–4.15 p.m.)
To keep serious matters light-hearted enough, club member Elli will be conducting a quiz on banned and challenged books including some fun and not-so-fun facts and fascinating trivia.
Open Discussion Forums (4.15–4.45 p.m.)
The event’s main goal is to create room for discussion about banned books. To achieve this, club members Andrea, Delia and Ronja will be leading discussion forums on various aspects of book censorship and banning.
A “‘None of these people making banned books lists actually read’—is it really about the text?”
B “‘Correcting’ children’s stories—necessary sensitivity or cancelled historicity?”
C “Cancel culture—another form of banning?”
Closing (4.45–5.00 p.m.)
We invite all book defenders and discussants to join us for single activities or for the whole banned books day!