Lincoln Land CC to highlight Banned Books Week with free events

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) —Lincoln Land Community College's Dept. of English and Humanities is highlighting Banned Books Week and National Book Month with Lit Fest.

About a year ago, Illinois became the first state in the country to prohibit book bans. This came after libraries in many states initiating book bans.

Organizers say Lit fest will kick-off with a read-aloud event where volunteers read passages of banned books they are calling, "Well, I'll be banned." This event will take place on September 25 from noon to 2 p.m.

There will be more festivities throughout the week into October, which is National book month.

Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2-3:30 p.m. – Quiet Reading Party in the LLCC Writing Center, lower level of Sangamon Hall - Bring your own book (BYOB), cookies and tea will be provided.
Thursday, Sept. 26, 1-3 p.m. – Teachers as Writers Panel in the LLCC Library - Meet LLCC faculty authors as they discuss their experiences and stories.
Friday, Sept. 27, 6-8 p.m. – All Booked Up: An Evening of Literary Reading with Local Authors in A. Lincoln Commons.
Sunday, Sept. 29, 3-5 p.m. – Literary Arts Vendor Fair in A. Lincoln Commons - Browse a vendor fair featuring authors, artists and nonprofit organizations that support work in the literary arts. From 5-7 p.m., Expressions in the Dark: Slam Poetry and More will be held in A. Lincoln Commons.
Monday, Sept. 30, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. - Collaborative Novel Writing Workshop: How to and Why in the Robert H. Stephens Room - Meet former LLCC students, who coauthored a fantasy novel series, share about how to write and publish collaboratively.
Tuesday, Oct. 1, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. – Bookbinding Basics; Making Pamphlet Notebooks in A. Lincoln Commons - LLCC Library Professor Ryan Roberts demonstrates bookbinding techniques. From 6-8 p.m., a Comedy Writing Workshop will be held in Menard Hall, Room 2217. Dive into the art of joke writing, collaborate with fellow humor enthusiasts and craft your very own stand-up material.
Wednesday, Oct. 2, 1-2:30 p.m. – Writing Activities for Playwrights in the Robert H. Stephens Room – Join in fun, hands-on short writing activities focused on theatre work, but useful for any fiction writer.
Thursday, Oct. 3, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. – Meditating and Writing, in the Robert H. Stephens Room – Take part in a creative writing workshop. From 2-3 p.m., TikTok Spoken Word Poet will be held in A. Lincoln Commons.