Banned Books Week Passport

Elizabeth Public Library is hosting a Banned Books Week passport program on Tuesday, September 28 at 4:00 p.m., inviting residents to explore Elizabeth's historic sites while reflecting on censorship, intellectual freedom, and the stories of banned books.

The program, titled "Unbanning History," combines a walking tour of four significant Elizabeth locations with a creative reflection on what censorship means to the community. Participants will visit Boxwood Hall, The Tenements, the Union County Courthouse, and the Stephen Sampson Senior Center (the site of the former "Not Just a Barbershop"), stopping at each location to learn about Elizabeth history and contemplate questions of free expression.

The event is designed as a socially-distanced gathering where participants can share stories about what standing in these historic sites means to them. Stories collected during the tour will be compiled and published as a community booklet. Participants can use blank pages in the passport or bring equally-sized paper if they prefer not to cut into their passport booklet.

Those who write submissions will be entered into raffle drawings for gift card prizes. Registration is required to attend. To register or for more information, contact the Elizabeth Public Library at bgillen@elizpl.org, jcupo@elizpl.org, or call 908-354-6060, extension 7203 or 7237.

The passport program features historical context about each location, including information about Boxwood Hall (home of President Elias Boudinot under the Articles of Confederation), The Tenements (housing conditions and sanitary standards), the Union County Courthouse (site of racially-charged historical events), and the Stephen Sampson Senior Center (a pioneering Civil Rights-era community center opened by a Black World War II veteran).

The program also highlights the 2021 most-challenged books, including titles like "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker, "The 1619 Project," "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood, "George" by Alex Gino, "The Bluest Eye," and "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee—books challenged for offensive language, sexual content, historical misrepresentation, LGBTQIA+ themes, and discussions of racism.

For more Elizabeth community events, cultural programs, and library news, visit Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What is the Banned Books Week passport program?
A: It's a walking tour of four historic Elizabeth sites where participants reflect on censorship, intellectual freedom, and what these locations mean to them personally. Stories collected will be compiled into a community booklet.

Q: Where will the tour visit?
A: The tour visits Boxwood Hall (former home of President Elias Boudinot), The Tenements (historic housing), the Union County Courthouse, and the Stephen Sampson Senior Center (site of a pioneering Civil Rights-era community center).

Q: When is the tour?
A: Tuesday, September 28, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

Q: Is the event socially distanced?
A: Yes. The event is designed as a socially-distanced gathering where participants can safely explore historic sites together.

Q: What do I need to bring?
A: You'll receive a passport booklet. You can write reflections directly in it or bring equally-sized paper if you prefer not to cut into the booklet. Those who submit written reflections are entered into raffle drawings for gift card prizes.

Q: Do I need to register?
A: Yes. Registration is required to attend. Contact the Elizabeth Public Library at bgillen@elizpl.org, jcupo@elizpl.org, or call 908-354-6060, extension 7203 or 7237.

Q: What is Banned Books Week?
A: It's an annual observance celebrating the freedom to read and raising awareness about censorship. The program highlights books challenged in schools and libraries for content deemed offensive or controversial.

Q: Which books are highlighted?
A: The program references 2021's most-challenged books, including "The Color Purple," "The 1619 Project," "The Handmaid's Tale," "George," "The Bluest Eye," and "To Kill a Mockingbird"—challenged for language, sexual content, historical content, LGBTQIA+ themes, and discussions of racism.