How to Attend Banned Books Events in Columbus

In recent years, the movement to challenge and ban books in public schools and libraries has gained momentum across the United States. In response, communities have rallied to defend intellectual freedom, promote literacy, and celebrate diverse voices through Banned Books Week and year-round events. Columbus, Ohio—a vibrant cultural hub with a strong tradition of public education and civic engagement—has become a focal point for these efforts. From library-hosted readings to university panel discussions and grassroots book drives, Columbus offers a rich calendar of events that honor the right to read.

But how do you actually attend these events? What should you know before showing up? How can you make the most of your participation, whether you’re a student, parent, educator, or ally? This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to navigating and engaging with Banned Books events in Columbus. Beyond just listing where to go, we’ll explore why these events matter, how to prepare, what tools to use, and how your presence contributes to a larger cultural movement.

Attending a Banned Books event isn’t just about showing up—it’s about standing with those who believe in the power of stories, especially those that challenge norms, confront uncomfortable truths, or amplify marginalized perspectives. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to participate meaningfully, whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned advocate.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand What Banned Books Events Are

Banned Books events are public gatherings organized to raise awareness about censorship in literature. They typically coincide with Banned Books Week (late September), but many occur year-round. These events may include author readings, panel discussions, book displays, art installations, poetry slams, and community forums—all centered around titles that have been challenged or removed from shelves.

In Columbus, these events are hosted by public libraries (like the Columbus Metropolitan Library), universities (Ohio State University, Franklin University), independent bookstores (The Book Loft, BookPeople), and nonprofit organizations (American Library Association Ohio Chapter, Freedom to Read Foundation). The goal is not just to highlight banned books but to foster dialogue about why they were targeted and what that means for free expression.

Step 2: Research Upcoming Events

The first practical step is finding out what’s happening. Start by visiting the official websites of key institutions:

• Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML): cml.org/events — Search “banned books” or “intellectual freedom” in their events calendar.
• Ohio State University Libraries: libraries.osu.edu/events — Look for events hosted by the Rare Books and Manuscripts Library or the Department of English.
• The Book Loft of German Village: bookloft.com — They frequently host author events and themed book nights, including Banned Books Week.
• Franklin County Public Health & Community Partners: fcphealth.org — Occasionally co-sponsors educational forums on censorship and youth access to literature.

Use Google with targeted keywords: “banned books events Columbus Ohio 2024,” “Columbus library banned books reading,” or “free speech book event Ohio State.” Set up Google Alerts for these phrases to receive real-time updates.

Follow local organizations on social media. Search Instagram and Facebook for hashtags like

BannedBooksColumbus, #ReadBannedBooksOH, and #ColumbusLibraries. Many events are promoted primarily through community pages and local influencers.

Step 3: Check Event Details and Requirements

Once you find an event, read the description carefully. Note:

• Date and time (some events are evening-only; others are daytime family-friendly)
• Location (in-person, hybrid, or virtual)
• Registration requirements (some require RSVPs; others are walk-in)
• Age appropriateness (some events feature mature content and may be restricted to 18+)
• Accessibility features (ASL interpreters, wheelchair access, captioning for virtual events)

Some events hosted by universities or libraries may require a library card or student ID for entry. Others are open to the public with no restrictions. Always verify this information on the official event page—not third-party listings.

Step 4: Prepare for Attendance

Preparation enhances your experience and shows respect for the organizers and participants.

• Read one or two of the featured books in advance. Commonly banned titles in Ohio include “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe, “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood, “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson, and “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee. You don’t need to read them all—but reading even one gives you context for discussion.
• Bring a notebook or journal to record insights, quotes, or questions you want to ask during Q&A.
• Dress comfortably and appropriately. Most events are casual, but if it’s a university panel or formal reading, business casual is a safe choice.
• Bring a reusable water bottle and a tote bag. Many events offer free books or bookmarks, and you’ll want to carry them home.

If attending in person, plan your transportation. Columbus has a robust bus system (COTA), bike lanes, and ride-share options. Parking near downtown venues like the Main Library or the Book Loft can be limited—arrive early or use public transit.

Step 5: Arrive Early and Engage

Arriving 10–15 minutes early allows you to:

• Find seating (some events fill quickly)
• Explore book displays or art installations
• Introduce yourself to organizers or fellow attendees
• Sign up for mailing lists or volunteer opportunities

Engagement is key. Don’t just sit quietly. Ask thoughtful questions during Q&A. Share why you care about banned books. If you’re uncomfortable speaking up, write your question on a card or submit it anonymously via an online form if available.

Many events have a “book swap” or “take a banned book” table. Take one. You’re not just taking a book—you’re participating in a quiet act of resistance against censorship.

Step 6: Follow Up and Stay Involved

Attending one event shouldn’t be a one-time act. After the event:

• Write a short review on Google or Facebook to help others find future events.
• Share your experience on social media using

  BannedBooksColumbus and tag local organizations.

• Consider volunteering with CML’s Intellectual Freedom Committee or joining OSU’s Student Free Expression Alliance.
• Start a book club focused on banned and challenged titles. Invite friends, coworkers, or neighbors.
• Donate to or fundraise for organizations defending literary freedom, such as the National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) or the Ohio Freedom to Read Foundation.

Advocacy is sustained through consistent action. One attendee can spark a ripple effect.

Best Practices

Practice Respectful Dialogue

Banned Books events attract people with diverse views. Some attendees may support book challenges, while others fiercely oppose them. Your role is not to argue, but to listen and learn. Use “I” statements: “I felt moved by this story because…” rather than “You’re wrong for banning this book.”

Respect boundaries. If someone says they’re uncomfortable discussing a topic, pivot gracefully. The goal is to create space for understanding, not confrontation.

Center Marginalized Voices

Most books that are banned target the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, and religious minorities. When you speak or share, amplify those voices. Quote authors directly. Highlight their lived experiences. Avoid centering your own perspective unless you’re speaking from a position of shared identity.

For example: Instead of saying, “I think this book is important,” say, “George M. Johnson writes about growing up Black and queer in a way that made me understand a reality I’d never experienced.”

Know the Difference Between Challenging and Banning

Not all objections lead to bans. A “challenge” is a formal request to remove or restrict a book. A “ban” is the actual removal. Many books are challenged but remain available. Knowing this distinction helps you respond accurately and avoid misinformation.

In Columbus, most libraries have formal review processes. If a book is challenged, a committee reviews it based on professional standards (not personal offense). Attendees who understand this process can advocate for evidence-based decisions.

Document and Share Your Experience

Take photos (if allowed) of book displays, signs, or panels. Post them with context: “Attended the CML banned books reading last night. ‘Gender Queer’ was on display with 30+ other challenged titles. Over 150 people showed up. This is why we fight.”

Documentation helps build a public record of community support. It also pressures institutions to keep hosting these events by showing turnout and engagement.

Support Local Bookstores and Libraries

Bookstores and libraries are on the front lines of censorship battles. When you attend an event, buy a book there. Donate. Sign up for memberships. Become a library advocate. Your financial and emotional support helps them withstand pressure from political groups.

In Columbus, independent bookstores like The Book Loft and BookPeople have seen spikes in sales of banned titles. Your purchase directly supports their ability to keep these books on shelves.

Be Mindful of Privacy and Safety

Some attendees may be minors, educators facing backlash, or individuals who fear professional retaliation. Avoid sharing names, photos, or specific details about people unless they’ve given explicit consent.

If an event is hosted in a sensitive context (e.g., a school district meeting about curriculum), refrain from livestreaming or recording unless permitted. Safety comes before virality.

Prepare for Counter-Protests

While most Banned Books events in Columbus are peaceful, a small number have drawn counter-protesters in other cities. Stay calm. Do not engage. Notify event staff if you feel unsafe. Most venues have security protocols and will escort you out if needed.

Remember: Your presence is a statement. You don’t need to respond to hate with more hate. Silence, solidarity, and steadfastness are powerful.

Tools and Resources

Official Databases and Directories

• Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF) – ala.org/oif: The American Library Association’s official tracker of book challenges. Search by state, year, or title. Use this to find which books are most challenged in Ohio.
• Banned Books Week – bannedbooksweek.org: The national hub for resources, reading lists, and event calendars. Download their free toolkit for educators and community organizers.
• Book Riot’s Banned Books List – bookriot.com/banned-books: A curated, reader-friendly list of frequently banned titles with summaries and why they’re challenged.
• Ohio Library Council – ohiolibrarycouncil.org: State-level updates on legislation affecting library funding and book access.

Reading Lists

Start with these frequently challenged titles available in Columbus libraries:

• “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe – A graphic memoir exploring gender identity; most-challenged book in Ohio in 2022 and 2023.
• “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson – A memoir about being Black and queer; often challenged for “sexual content.”
• “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood – Frequently challenged for “anti-religious themes” and “explicit language.”
• “Lawn Boy” by Jonathan Evison – A coming-of-age story about a gay Latino man; banned for “sexual content” and “inappropriate language.”
• “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee – Challenged for racial slurs and “racist content,” despite its anti-racist message.
• “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie – Challenged for profanity, sexual references, and depictions of poverty.

Many of these titles are available for free through the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Libby app. Download it and search “banned books” to access e-books and audiobooks instantly.

Community Organizations

• Columbus Metropolitan Library – Intellectual Freedom Committee: Offers volunteer opportunities and hosts monthly “Read Out Loud” events featuring banned books.
• Ohio Freedom to Read Foundation: A nonprofit that funds legal defense for librarians facing pressure to remove books.
• BookPeople Columbus: Hosts “Banned & Beautiful” reading nights and donates proceeds to national censorship defense funds.
• OSU Student Free Expression Alliance: A student group that organizes campus-wide banned books readings and petitions.
• GLSEN Central Ohio: Focuses on LGBTQ+ literature in schools and hosts events for educators and teens.

Apps and Digital Tools

• Libby – Free e-book and audiobook app powered by your CML card. Search “banned books” to access titles instantly.
• Goodreads – Join the “Banned Books Club” group to connect with readers in Ohio and beyond. Write reviews to help others discover these titles.
• Eventbrite – Search “banned books Columbus” to find ticketed and free events.
• Canva – Design your own “I Read Banned Books” social media graphic to share after attending an event.

Legal and Advocacy Resources

If you’re an educator, librarian, or parent concerned about book bans in your school district:

• Download the ALA’s “How to Respond to a Book Challenge” guide: ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/challengehandbook
• Use the NCAC’s “Book Challenge Toolkit” to draft letters to school boards: ncac.org/toolkit
• Join the Ohio Coalition for Open Government to learn how to attend school board meetings and speak out.

Real Examples

Example 1: The CML Main Library Banned Books Read-In (September 2023)

In September 2023, the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Main Branch hosted a 12-hour “Read-In” event. Volunteers took turns reading aloud from banned books for the public. Attendees could sit and listen, or sign up to read for 5–10 minutes.

One high school student, 16-year-old Maya, read a passage from “Gender Queer.” Afterward, she shared her story: “I didn’t know books like this existed until I found it in the library. It helped me understand myself. I’m scared someone might take it away.”

The event drew over 300 people. Local news covered it. Within a week, the library added 12 new banned titles to its collection. The event was repeated in April 2024 as a spring “Read for Freedom” series.

Example 2: The Book Loft’s “Banned & Beautiful” Night

Every September, The Book Loft transforms its upstairs reading room into a “Banned Book Bazaar.” They display over 100 challenged titles, offer 20% discounts, and host a live poetry slam featuring local writers who’ve been censored.

In 2023, a poet named Jamal read a piece titled “They Said I Was Too Much,” which had been removed from a high school curriculum for “inappropriate content.” The room fell silent. Afterward, five teachers approached him to say they’d been asked to remove his work from their syllabi.

The Book Loft responded by creating a “Teacher’s Toolkit” with lesson plans for banned books. They’ve since partnered with five local school districts to offer free professional development workshops.

Example 3: OSU’s “Censorship in the Classroom” Panel

In October 2023, Ohio State University’s Department of English hosted a panel titled “Who Gets to Decide What Students Read?” featuring librarians, a former school board member, a student activist, and a parent whose child was denied access to “The Bluest Eye.”

The panel was livestreamed and viewed by over 2,000 people across Ohio. A follow-up petition, organized by OSU students, gathered 12,000 signatures demanding the state legislature protect access to library materials. The petition was presented to the Ohio House Education Committee.

Example 4: The “Banned Books Bus Tour” (2024)

A grassroots group called “Books Unbanned Columbus” launched a mobile book truck that traveled to underserved neighborhoods—North Side, South Side, East Columbus—offering free banned books, storytime for kids, and literacy workshops.

Each stop included a short reading from a banned book, followed by a Q&A. One mother, after receiving “All Boys Aren’t Blue” for her 14-year-old son, said: “I didn’t know this was banned. I thought it was just a book. Now I know it’s a lifeline.”

The bus made 18 stops in three weeks. It received funding from local arts grants and private donors. Plans are underway to make it a permanent fixture.

FAQs

Can I attend a Banned Books event if I’m under 18?

Yes. Most events are open to all ages. Some may have content warnings for mature themes, but minors are welcome—especially with a guardian. Many events specifically target teens and include youth-led panels.

Do I need to buy a book to attend?

No. Attendance is free at nearly all public events. However, purchasing a book supports the host organization and helps them continue hosting these events.

What if I disagree with the content of banned books?

You’re still welcome. Banned Books events are about the right to read—not about agreeing with every book. Listening to perspectives different from your own is part of the process. Many attendees come precisely because they want to understand why others are challenging these books.

Are these events political?

They’re about freedom of expression, not partisan politics. While book bans are often tied to political agendas, the events themselves focus on literature, education, and civil liberties. You don’t need to hold any political belief to participate.

Can I bring my own banned book to share?

Yes. Many events have a “Bring Your Banned Book” table. Bring a copy, write a note about why it matters to you, and leave it for someone else to take.

How do I find out if a book has been banned in my child’s school?

Request the school district’s formal challenge log. By law, districts must keep records of book challenges and review committee decisions. Contact the school librarian or superintendent’s office for access.

What if I can’t attend in person?

Many events are livestreamed or recorded. Check the host’s website or YouTube channel. You can also participate virtually by joining online book clubs, signing petitions, or donating to organizations like the Freedom to Read Foundation.

Can I start my own Banned Books event in Columbus?

Absolutely. Contact the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Community Engagement team or the Ohio Library Council for guidance. They can help you secure space, promote your event, and connect you with authors or readers.

Conclusion

Attending a Banned Books event in Columbus is more than an afternoon activity—it’s an act of civic courage. In a time when stories are being silenced, your presence matters. Whether you read one page, ask one question, or take one book home, you’re helping to ensure that no voice is erased.

The events described here aren’t isolated. They’re part of a growing national movement. Columbus is not just a city where these events happen—it’s a city where they thrive because of people like you. You don’t need to be a librarian, a teacher, or a politician to make a difference. You just need to show up.

Start today. Check the Columbus Metropolitan Library calendar. Find an event this month. Read one banned book. Talk to someone about it. Share your experience. Bring a friend next time.

Books are not dangerous. Silence is.

Read them. Talk about them. Defend them.

Because in Columbus, and everywhere, the right to read is a right worth fighting for.