Rockford Library Uses Banned Books to Get Kids Reading

If you have ever tried to convince a teenager that reading is actually fun, you know it can be a tougher sell than getting them to put their phone down at dinner.

As an Illinois mom, I have firsthand experience with this.

The Struggle of Getting Kids to Read

I have two daughters who aren't officially teens yet, but getting them to do their daily reading can be a battle of wills.

My youngest daughter used to enjoy reading, that all changed when school started requiring her to read 10 books every three months. My oldest daughter has never enjoyed reading, and I have tried everything I can think of to change that.

I've recommended books I loved when I was younger. (That was a horrible idea.)

We've spent hours in book stores and the library trying to find books she would enjoy. (That severely tested my patience.)

I've even offered to pay $1 per book read. (They think I should pay $5.)

The one thing I have never tried though is telling my kids, “Hey, somebody tried to ban this book,” and now I'm thinking that could be the magic trick.

Rockford Public Library's Unique Banned Book Approach

In case you are unaware, Banned Books Week runs October 4 through October 10, and to celebrate, the Rockford Public Library has revealed their banned books list... to entice kids to read.

Think about this for a minute. What's one surefire way you can get a kid to want to do something? Tell them they can't.

I think this is brilliant.

Rockford Public Library is using Banned Books Week to get people thinking about censorship and the freedom to read, and there are THOUSANDS of banned books to choose from at RPL.

Perhaps all it takes to turn our kids into avid readers is to make the book sound a little bit forbidden?

I imagine it going something a little like this:

“Here is this book someone said you shouldn't read.”

Kid: “Why?”

“I'm not sure. You should probably read it and find out.”

Kid: “Hand it over.”

Look, I'm not saying this parenting strategy is guaranteed to work.

But if it gets even a few reluctant readers to put down the phone, pick up a book and discover a story they actually enjoy, I'm all in.

To see all of the events the Rockford Public Library has planned for Banned Books Week, check out rockfordpubliclibrary.org.