This year’s CALS Banned Books Week is stacked. (Pun intended.)
With more than 20 programs offered, attendees are able to celebrate all things literary from Sept. 23-29 at various CALS locations.
Programming for this year’s freedom to read celebration includes a screening of “American Psycho,” a writing contest, a Harry Potter celebration, blackout poetry and more.
All events are free and open to the public. Visit the CALS website to view submission and registration information and the full schedule of events.
Here are a few of the events we’re most excited for:
- “American Psycho” Screening
Though most know “American Psycho” from Christian Bale’s truly jarring on-screen portrayal of Patrick Bateman, it was a book long before. Banned Books Week 2018 will wrap up with a screening of “American Psycho” on Sept. 26 at the Ron Robinson Theater. The evening will include refreshments at 6 p.m. followed by a discussion covering the diagnosis of Patrick Bateman featuring Linda Vanblaricom, a semi-retired psychotherapist, and English and Film scholar Felipe Pruneda Sentíes. After that, guests will be treated to a special musical performance by Fayetteville’s Randall Shreve.
- Banned Books 2018 Writing Contest
This year’s writing contest is inspired by Bret Easton Ellis’ 1991 bestseller “American Psycho.” The winning author will receive a $300 grand prize. The winner will be announced at the “American Psycho” screening on Sept. 26. Submissions will be accepted Sept. 1-20.
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Creative Censorship: Blackout Poetry with Banned Books
Using “Fahrenheit 451,” “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” and “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” as source material, attendees will make their own blackout poems from famous banned books. The event will take place Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. at the Fletcher Library.
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AzkaBanned Bash
Celebrate Banned Books Week and the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter with a Hogwarts-themed party. The event will take place on Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. at the Thompson Library.
Film Screenings:
- “The Lorax”: Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Rooker Library
- “The Adventures of Huck Finn”: Sept. 24 at noon at the Milam Library
- “The Color Purple”: Sept. 24 at 5:30 p.m. at the McMath Library
- “A Wrinkle in Time”: Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. at the McMath Library & Sept. 27 at 5 p.m. at the Nixon Library
- “Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone”: Sept. 30 at 10:30 a.m. at the main library downtown
- “Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”: Sept. 24 at 4 p.m. at the Brooks Library
- “Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers”: Sept. 25 at 4 p.m. at the Brooks Library
- “Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”: Sept. 26 at 4 p.m. at the Brooks Library
- “Matilda”: Sept. 25 at 5 p.m. at the Sanders Library
- “Carrie” (1976): Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. at the Ron Robinson Theater
- “Lord of the Flies”: Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. at the Dee Brown Library