Banned Book Bingo!

“Banned Book Bingo!” is back by popular demand!

After the success of our first Banned Book Bingo event last fall, where participants packed the room, learned about challenged books, and told us how much they loved the format, we’re excited to bring it back.

Join us for an engaging and interactive afternoon of “Banned Book Bingo!” where bingo squares feature books that have been challenged or banned in schools and libraries across the country or actions you can take to protect the freedom to read without religious coercion. As we play, you’ll hear brief context about the titles and the growing national movement to restrict access to books.

Across the country, books are increasingly being removed based on religious or ideological objections. When one set of beliefs determines what is available in public schools and libraries, it raises urgent questions about pluralism, democracy, and the constitutional principle of separation of church and state. Public libraries belong to everyone — and access to diverse ideas is essential to a free society.

For Jewish women in particular, this issue resonates deeply. Jewish history reminds us of the dangers of suppressing ideas and silencing minority voices. Defending the freedom to read without religious coercion is part of defending religious freedom, dignity, and full participation in public life.

We also invite you to join us earlier in the series for a screening of The Librarians on March 19 at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Main branch, exploring the real-world impact of book bans on libraries and communities.

Expect:

• A fun, welcoming community atmosphere
• Prizes and library swag
• Brief insights into the books that have been challenged
• Information about how you can stay engaged

This event is free and open to the public but due to limited spots, advance registration is strongly encouraged.

Come play, learn, and stand up for the freedom to read. Register today! 

This event is part of our “Freedom to Read Without Religious Coercion” series, an initiative of the Jewish Women and Religious Freedom in Pittsburgh Project underwritten, in part, by Trustee Nancy Weissman, in memory of her beloved mother-in-law, Trustee Jackie Wechsler and hosted by Jews for a Secular Democracy. This particular program is presented in partnership with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and the Judith Fingeret Krug First Amendment Fund of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh.