Banned Books are Always in Fashion

Teens and tweens showcase original designs inspired by restricted-reads

“Banned Books Silences Stories" ...

The national 2018 Banned Books Week theme goes beyond celebrating the freedom to read by sparking a call to action that “everyone needs to speak out against the tide of censorship.”

Belmar teens and tweens are you ready to answer that call?

Raise awareness of banned books and celebrate storytelling with Belmar Library's Teen Advisory Board. Share your talents by designing an original, wearable creation inspired by challenged literature  Then, walk the runway during Belmar's Banned Book Teen Fashion Show, Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 6:30 - 8 p.m at the Lakewood Cultural Center.

(Apply for the event using the form below.)

"Censorship in reading is not OK, and Banned Books Week allows teens to voice their opinions on unjust censorship," Charlotte, a Belmar Teen Advisory Board member, said. "Books are great ways to learn about issues or experiences people (especially young people) are having for the first time, and censoring these books that give guidance to young people who are trying to find themselves is simply not the answer."

Speak out against censorship through original inspired fashion. Use different materials and themes to create your own T-shirt, shoes, dress, jewelry, props, accessories...you name it! Base your wearable fashion on a banned book - it's cover, character or themes - or your favorite fandom. Cosplay costumes are accepted. Wearables can be made out of an actual book or encompass any or all of the themes from Banned Books Week. Learn more about costume design with these Banned Books Week Fashion resources. 

"The Banned Book Fashion Show offers a way for teens to represent themselves and teach their community about important issues through their own creations," Charlotte, a 2017-participant of the show, continued. "'One of my favorite authors of all time, George Orwell says, 'If large numbers of people believe in freedom of speech, there will be freedom of speech, even if the law forbids it.'"

Celebrate artists like Charlotte (perhaps in a 1984-inspired outfit...?) at the upcoming Fashion Show. There will be banned book readings, giveaways, a photobooth and even a Q and A with the designers!

Teens and tweens (ages 11 - 18) can apply for the Banned Book Week Fashion Show event until Sept. 23. Register as individual or a team (each team member must still fill out an application). Contact librarian Lisa with any questions.

 

Banned Books Week (Sept. 23 – 29) is an American Library Association sponsored event.