PennWest Clarion’s English Club and Sigma Tau Delta English honor society joined to observe Banned Book Week during the first week of October. The organizations held a Banned Book and Bake Sale Oct. 3 and 4 in the foyer of Carlson Library.

The banned books sold out quickly, said Emily Jamison, English Club president. Titles included “Harry Potter,” “Hunger Games” and “Child of God.” She advocates using books as teaching tools rather than disallowing them.

Club member Kade Phillips said people ban books so they can control the narrative. “Censorship prevents communication,” he said.

Sigma Tau Delta member Bella Klein noted that as of July 2021, more than 4,000 books had been banned in the United States.

The event also offered mystery books. Shoppers could choose the genre, but the books were wrapped to conceal the titles.

Proceeds from the sale, which Jamison said is the most successful one to date, will help to cover costs for English Club and Sigma Tau Delta members to attend a conference.

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