Reading Against the Tide: How One Patron Challenges Censorship

Driven by a thirst for knowledge and understanding, a devoted patron of the Iowa City Public Library’s Bookmobile has made waves by reading over 100 banned books.

One day, while gliding through a water aerobics class at the Mercer Aquatic Center, Mary Lou struck up an enlightening conversation with a retired school teacher. They discussed the growing Reading Against the Tide: How One Patron Challenges Censorship trend of book censorship across the nation, and during this exchange, the teacher posed a thought-provoking question: “I want to know what they don’t want us to know.”

This simple yet profound inquiry resonated deeply with Mary Lou, igniting a quest to uncover the truths behind titles deemed too controversial for public consumption.

She discovered the ICPL Bookmobile, which conveniently visits the aquatic center every week, providing her with access a wide array of materials, the ability to return books, and place holds for titles from the Downtown Library. Partnerships between the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department and the Iowa City Public Library create these moments of connection, fostering learning even as participants float from their municipal pool right on to the steps of the Library’s Bookmobile.

Her journey through banned literature led her to dive deep into themes of racial justice in The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and delve into the complexities of empathy and love. Reflecting on the novel, Mary Lou shared, “The Hate U Give changed how I see the world. Angie Thomas’ words opened my eyes to the systemic injustices faced by Black communities. It’s the kind of story that sticks with you and pushes you to act.”

In her exploration of The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood, Mary Lou found herself grappling with the stark portrayal of gender dynamics and societal structures. “The Handmaid’s Tale taught me to examine how we approach each other socially and how we build systems that deserve scrutiny. It’s a reminder that what we accept today can shape our tomorrow in ways we may not fully understand,” she said.

Mary Lou’s exhaustive list of titles includes Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson and The Color Purple by Alice Walker—works that explore the resilience of those who face trauma and adversity.

Through reading these powerful stories, she’s gained a richer understanding of the human experience, fueling her advocacy for intellectual freedom. Mary Lou’s reading adventure underscores the crucial role of libraries. “The library is about borrowing books; each of those books serves as a gateway to understanding our world and ourselves,” she says. “The conversations and connections that emerge from seemingly random interactions reveal powerful truths and broaden our perspectives. I encourage everyone to lean into their libraries—they’re essential for appreciating the world around us.”

In a world where information is often debated or restricted, Mary Lou’s story highlights the power of literature in revealing truth. Libraries, through their diverse collections and community programs, play an invaluable role in fostering this exploration and dialogue, ultimately shaping a more informed, better-connected, and empathetic society.

The Intellectual Freedom Festival at the Iowa City Public Library begins during the last week of September and offers a unique opportunity for the community to engage in enhanced scrutiny and examination of censorship, providing a platform for those eager to learn more and join the conversation.

Originally published in the Fall 2024 Iowa City Public Library Window newsletter: 

https://www.icpl.org/sites/default/files/window/fall-window-2024.pdf