Name: Banned Books Event
Start: 2025-10-11T15:00:00-04:00
End: 2025-10-11T21:00:00-04:00
Location: Gasparilla Distillery & Cocktail Bar

READ FOR YOUR RIGHTS
About this Event

“CENSORSHIP IS SO 1984. READ FOR YOUR RIGHTS” The American Library Association and Banned Books Week Coalition chose the perfect theme for Banned Books Week this year! George Orwell tried to warn us with his cautionary tale "1984".

Join Bookends: Literature & Libations at Gasparilla Distillery on October 11, from 3-9 PM for a banned books event. Hear from advocacy and activist groups that speak out on civil rights and book banning. Find out what you can do to help and ways to give back to your community.

Book sales will take place from 3:00-9:00 PM and will include books that are banned or challenged, self-help, and titles by Hispanic authors in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. A portion of the proceeds from book sales will be donated to WMNF, our community radio station, which works tirelessly to keep the public informed amidst budget cuts, and other nonprofit organizations that support free speech.

Test your banned book knowledge with a little trivia beginning at 4:00 PM.

Presentations and discussions will take place from 5:00-6:30 PM. Come out and hear what Equality Florida Equality Captain, Jennie O'Leary and PEN America Program Coordinator, Sophia Brown have to say as they share the actions their organizations are taking to preserve our rights. Rachel Hannah (@readswithrachel) and Carmen Alvarez (@tomesandtextiles), two prominent community activists and book influencers, will share what is happening locally, who is behind book bans, and groups that are the target of these bans. Poets Juan Lli (@JuanSpeaks) and Unspoken (@anunspokenpoet) will discuss the issues that immigrants are facing in our community and will share poetry that relates to the evening’s theme. In addition, Juan will be creating custom poetry for a cause. Local musician, Camelia Jade (cameliajade.sounds), will close this portion of the event with a few songs.

For the craftivist in you, join us from 6:30-9:00 PM for letter writing and crafting. Crafting fosters a sense of community and a niche for you to explore. Damara (@popyarnllc) has graciously donated beginner kits (supplies are limited) for the event. There will be a few volunteers on hand to help you get started with your project. Feel free to bring your current knitting or crochet project along with you to work on throughout the day.

#BannedBooksWeek #LetFreedomReadDay