City of Salem Unveils Banned Book Little Library at City Hall

To mark National Banned Book Week, the City of Salem proudly announces the unveiling of a new Little Free Library at City Hall dedicated to sharing banned books.

“In communities nationwide, books face challenges and bans,” said Mayor Dominick Pangallo. “Salem stands firm in our commitment to intellectual freedom and the right to read, however. To celebrate that commitment, we’re proud to host this new Little Free Library featuring banned books, and we invite all to explore the works that they find there. My thanks to the staff from my office and the Salem Public Library for their help in making this possible, and to the members of the community who have supported its installation.”

An unveiling ceremony will take place on Monday, October 2, 2023 – the first day of National Banned Book Week – at 8:30 a.m. in front of City Hall (93 Washington Street).

Claudia Paraschiv, Salem’s Artist in Residence, contributed to the design and decoration of the library. Advice on banned books selection was helpfully provided by the staff of the Salem Public Library and the library is curated by the staff of the Mayor’s Office.

All are invited to explore the library's collection, take a book, or contribute a favorite banned book. For more information about banned books, visit www.salemma.gov/bannedbooks to learn about recent book challenges, view lists of banned and challenged books across the nation, and discover more about those challenged right here in Massachusetts.