Sunday, October 1 – Sunday, October 8

“We’re excited to share with you an exciting series of events that we have put together to bring readers and book lovers together in the spirit of celebrating our right to read. The truth is we’ve never been through a period as perilous as right now. We in Florida are ground zero in this new, cynical attempt to gain and maintain political power through the weaponization of books. Authors are openly being singled out and vilified. Their books are being removed from libraries and curricula. They face intimidation, and new laws are having a chilling effect on educators and librarians. The good news is our community is galvanized and I’m as confident as ever that the right to read will reassert itself, and we will never ever allow anyone to be left in the darkness brought on by the menace of censorship. Please join us this week and make your voices heard in a spirit of solidarity and love of the written word.“ – Mitchell Kaplan 

Mark Your Calendar for these Banned Book Week Events!

Sunday, October 1: Kickoff Event!

• 11am: World Communion Service at The Coral Gables Congregational Church / The Sanctuary for Banned Books with Pastor Laurie Hafner | 3010 De Soto Blvd.
• 12pm: Walk For Freedom: After the service, join the Freadom Coalition for a walk to Books & Books in support of the freedom to read.
• 1pm: @ Books & Books, Coral Gables: Meet the FREADOM Coalition partners. Moms4Libros, FABB (Families Against Banning Books), FL Freedom to Read Project, PEN America, Southern Poverty Law Center, Miami Freedom Project, Power Knowledge Foundation, Florida PTA , Cuban American Women Supporting Democracy, P.S. 305, Miami-Dade County Council PTA, United Teachers of Dade (UTD), Awake Brevard, National Coalition Against Censorship, WDA (Writers for Democratic Action), ACLU of Florida

Monday, October 2: Comedy Unbanned: A Special Stand-Up Comedy Show Presented by Villain Theater

Comedy Unbanned is a live comedy show, celebrating free speech and featuring routines from iconic comedians like Lenny Bruce and George Carlin, as well as contemporary rule breakers. A show for thought-provoking humor and social commentary brought to you by Villain Theater. Join us at 8PM | RSVP HERE FOR FREE

Tuesday, October 3: Lauren Groff discussing The Vaster Wilds + Trivia Night & Bingo: Banned Books Edition

• Lauren Groff at Books & Books in Coral Gables @ 7PM: Hear her discussing her electrifying new novel about one spirited girl alone in the wilderness, trying to survive. GET TICKETS HERE – Tickets include one (1) copy of The Vaster Wilds (Riverhead Books, $28) and will be handed out upon check-in.
• Trivia Night: Banned Books Edition at Books & Books, Coral Gables @ 9PM: Join us for a Trivia Night that’s so rebellious, it’s practically banned! 📚🚫 Test your knowledge of controversial classics, literary rebels, and the freedom to read during this special Banned Books Week edition. Prizes that’ll make you feel like a literary genius, plus beer specials that’ll keep your spirits high till we close the book on the night. RSVP HERE FOR FREE
• Banned Books Bingo Game after trivia @ 10PM: Keep the banned book fun going with a twist! Join us for Banned Books Bingo after Trivia Night. It’s not your grandma’s bingo, but it’s sure to be a novel experience. Let’s bingo like rebels!

Wednesday, October 4: PEN America Panel: Resisting Censorship with Brad Meltzer, Camryn Garrett, & Debi Goldberg

Resisting Censorship: The Children’s & Young Adult Book Banning Crisis | Books & Books in Coral Gables @ 8PM

LGBTQ-themed books are under profound attack in the United States. They are challenged in droves and are decreed off-limits by school boards, legislators, and prison authorities. In PEN’s report “Banned in the USA,” PEN found that within a six-month period, 26% of unique titles banned have LGBTQ+ characters or themes. Join PEN Miami/South Florida and Books & Books for a vital conversation with authors Brad Meltzer and Camryn Garrett, both of whom have had their books pulled from library shelves, to discuss the movement to ban books by and about LGBTQ people, particularly books aimed at younger audiences, and how to resist the censorship taking over our schools and libraries. RSVP HERE FOR FREE.

Thursday, October 5: Banned Books Happy Hour @ The Café in Coral Gables

Sip on your favorite beverage, savor delicious bites, and revel in the magic of literature and art. Let’s toast to the resilience of literature and the vibrant colors of creativity, coming together to illuminate even the darkest corners of our minds. Happy Hour starts at 5PM!

Saturday, October 7: Moleskine Imprinting Event

Get ready for a personalized touch to your Moleskine journal! Join us at Books & Books in Coral Gables from 11 am to 4 pm, where Moleskine will be on-site to imprint your favorite word (up to 5 characters) onto your journal. It’s a unique opportunity to add a special, customized touch to your writing companion and celebrate the written word at the same time. Plus, they’ll be doing the same at our Coconut Grove store on Sunday from 11-4PM, so whether you’re in Coral Gables or Coconut Grove, your journal can be uniquely yours. Don’t miss this chance to make your Moleskine truly one-of-a-kind!

Sunday, October 8: Educator & Librarian Appreciation Day + The New Republic Bus Makes a Stop in Miami!

• In honor of Banned Books Week, we’re shining a spotlight on our invaluable educators and librarians. To show our appreciation, we’re offering a 20% discount in-store on Sunday, October 8, exclusively for educators and librarians. Additionally, we’re here to support educators and librarians who may be feeling threatened by providing essential resources. Join us in celebrating the educators who champion the freedom to read and inspire countless minds.
• Exciting news! The New Republic’s Banned Books Tour 2023 is making a special stop right here in Miami at Books & Books in Coral Gables. They will be handing out up to 10 free books to educators and librarians as well as providing crucial information on how to push back against the attacks on free speech from 12PM -4PM. Join us in celebrating the importance of literature, free expression, and those who nurture the love of reading in our communities.
• Moleskine in Coconut Grove @ 12-4PM: Moleskine will be on-site to imprint your favorite word onto your Moleskine journal.

Playing at The Coral Gables Cinema: Films based on Banned Books