Libraries nationwide are celebrating Banned Books Week for the 27th year to remind Americans that the freedom to read should not be taken for granted.

The American Library Association makes a complete list every year of books that have been challenged across the country from newspapers and reports submitted by individuals. Local libraries have received the list and will have a section and events dedicated to these challenged books from Sept. 27 through Saturday, Oct. 4.

Bob Lifka, director of the North Riverside Library, said the week is designed to make people aware that censorship exists in our society and the freedom to read should be defended vigorously.

“Children’s books get challenged more than adults,” Lifka said. “Usually the school book lists get challenged, coming of age books are considered offensive by some, that’s when it is a question of, is it objecting or censorship?”

In 2006, the most challenged book was “And Tango Makes Three,” Lifka said. He said it created a lot of controversy nationwide.

“The book is about two penguins in a same-sex relationship, who hatched an egg and raised a chick,” Lifka said.

The ALA said for the second year in a row, this same book was the most challenged book in 2007.

Macey Morales, ALA spokesperson, said a challenge is when someone attempts to remove or restrict materials. There were 420 challenges reported to the ALA this year.

“The information we have is based on self-reporting, it is all voluntary,” Morales said. “For every challenge reported there are four or five that go unreported.”

The North Riverside Library will be hosting a raffle where residents who check out a banned book will be eligible to win prizes including T-shirts, Borders gift certificates, a $25 Shell gift card and other prizes.

Brookfield Library will be participating in Banned Book Week by hosting events such as open mic night, inviting people to share their poetry or prose. Christy Eyre, adult services librarian, said the open mic attracts a variety of talent that encourages participation and an open mind.

On Saturday, Oct. 4, the library will host a discussion on the issue of censorship. At noon, “This Film is Not Yet Rated” will be shown, followed by “Storm Center,” which is about a librarian fighting censorship.

The Riverside Library also will have a list of banned books available and will have those books set up in a display for residents to check out.