The Great Illinois Book Caper: How Did They Ban... Un-Banning Books?
Ah, Illinois. Land of Lincoln, deep dish pizza, and... banning the banning of books? That's right, folks. In a move that would make Kafka do a double-take, Illinois became the first state in the US to essentially outlaw book banning itself.
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| How Many Books Has Illinois Banned |
So, how many books did Illinois REALLY ban?
Technically? Zero. Illinois didn't have a ton of official bans in place before this new law, but there were some attempts to restrict access to certain books in libraries and schools. We're talking challenges, removals, the whole shebang.
Here's the thing: those attempts caused a bit of a stir. In 2022 alone, there were 67 attempts to ban books in Illinois. Yikes! That's a lot of would-be hidden gems.
Enter HB2789: The Book Ban Banisher
Governor Pritzker, a champion of the written word (and probably a pretty decent librarian in a past life), wasn't having any of it. He swooped in with a law so powerful, it bent reality. HB2789, also known as the "Right to Read Act" (catchy, right?), basically says:
Tip: Focus on one point at a time.
- Libraries and schools can't ban books anymore. No more secret shushing of controversial characters.
- Public libraries that try to ban books lose funding. Mess with Matilda? You might lose your Miss Honey money.
This law is like a literary force field, deflecting attempts to control what people read. Basically, Illinois said, "Don't tell me what I can and can't read! I'm an adult!" (Though, let's be honest, this applies to all ages.)
Book Bans? More Like Book Booms, Baby!
So, what does this mean for you, the enthusiastic reader? Well, buckle up, bookworm, because Illinois is about to become a literary smorgasbord. You want a graphic novel about a skateboarding sloth? Go for it! A historical fiction about a T-Rex who dreams of becoming a ballerina? Get your tutu on!
The world of literature is your oyster (or your deep dish, if you prefer).
Tip: Use the structure of the text to guide you.
FAQ: Because Knowledge is Power (and Fun!)
How to find out what books are available at my Illinois library?
Most libraries have online catalogs you can browse. You can also call your local library and ask a friendly librarian for recommendations!
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How to deal with someone trying to ban a book?
QuickTip: Break reading into digestible chunks.
Speak up! Contact your local library board or school board and express your support for intellectual freedom.
How to create a mini book club with friends?
Pick a book, grab some snacks (bonus points for themed treats!), and get ready for a lively discussion!
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
How to convince my friend that graphic novels are "real" literature?
Show them the Pulitzer Prize-winning Maus! Art can tell powerful stories too.
How to properly care for a library book?
Treat it like a cherished friend! Keep it clean, don't dog-ear the pages, and return it on time (or you might get a friendly shushing from a real librarian, not a fictional one).
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