by Suzanne Moore, Wilkes County Librarian

Coincidently, the month of October began with an observance of Banned Books Week and later, recognition of Pierre Choderlos de Laclos (b. October 18, 1741) whose literary worth is noted by his famous epistolary novel, Dangerous Liaisions.  A banned book in its own time (1782).

Wilkes County Public Library is recognizing Banned Books Week September 26 – October 2.  This time of year reminds us that ‘freedom to read’ is supported by the Bill of Rights’ First Amendment. 

The American Library Association (ALA) actively advocates and educates in defense of intellectual freedom—the rights of library users to read, seek information, and speak freely as guaranteed by the First Amendment. Intellectual freedom is a core value of the library profession, and a basic right in our democratic society. A publicly supported library provides free, equitable, and confidential access to information for all people of its community.

Noel Perrin, born on September 18, 1927, is September's celebrated author.  He was most known for publishing essays in the New Yorker about life on his farm in Vermont and environmental issues.  As the magazine series developed, Perrin complied his work in a book entitled, First Person Rural.  These essays inspired other writers in what became known as a 'rural-writing' genre.  He was also a pioneer user of solar energy, and developed the first solar-powered generating system in Vermont tied in with the power grid of a public utility.

By Suzanne Moore, Wilkes County Librarian

Every day an average of twenty-two veterans die by suicide.  This is a sad fact that Mission 22 hopes to lower and one day eradicate by raising awareness. Mission 22 is a non-profit organization dedicated to healing with treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Injury and promoting mental wellness.