On the last day of Banned Books Week 2025 - Let Freedom Read Day - join us for a read-in on the Forbes Lawn in partnership with the Massachusetts Center for the Book. 

Bring your own book, as well as a blanket or lawn chair, and settle in to read together in community. 

We will also be holding a casual book swap during the event. Bring in your gently-used books and swap them for something new-to-you.

Light refreshments will be available first come, first served. In the event of bad weather, this event will take place in the Community Room.

Read-In details:

Bring whatever book you want to read - bonus if it is a challenged book. Read as much or as little as you want during the read-in.

Need some inspiration for what to read? Browse the displays at the event, or check out the American Library Association's list of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of last year.

Book Swap details: 

When you arrive, please place your books on the designated tables. No need to bring something to take something. All are welcome to browse the selections, and we encourage chatting with others to share what kind of books we connect to most.

• All genres and subjects welcome

• Please only bring in books that are in good condition

• Feel free to include a note in your books about how you've connected with the book.

Any leftover books will be donated to the library for the Friends Book Sale, Neighborhood Free Book Boxes, or other community reading initiatives.

About Banned Books Week:

"Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. Held in the last week of September or first week of October, the annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community — librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas. 

The theme of this year’s event is Censorship Is So 1984 — Read for Your Rights."

Learn more on the Banned Books Week website.