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Don't Read THAT! Banned Books

With Valerie Gugala

Join us for an evening discussing banned books throughout history with Valerie Gugala!

This presentation will explore specific examples of books that have been banned or challenged throughout history. We will discuss the reasons why books are banned, and highlight the ways in which censorship can stifle free speech and intellectual curiosity. We will also look at specific examples of banned books throughout history including “Catcher in the Rye”, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” and even the Harry Potter series.

About the Presenter: Valerie Gugala is a scholar and actor focused on teaching American history by giving speeches and lectures as Mary Todd Lincoln. She has been studying the Lincoln Family for more than 50 years. She has performed at The Lincoln Home National Historic Site (one of only 4 women who have done so), and has spoken to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum volunteers. Her interest in the Lincolns led her to an interest in the Presidents, First Ladies, and their families. She and her husband have traveled to many Presidential Libraries across the country, and have a goal of visiting all of them in the next few years.

She has done primary source research at the Chicago Historical Society, the Illinois State Historical Library, and the Batavia Depot Museum, among other places & has used these family letters, court documents, and period newspapers to write her performance & lecture outlines. Over the last 25 years, she has spoken at libraries, schools, churches, senior groups, and park districts throughout the country. She loves to share her knowledge of and enthusiasm for our country’s history with audiences.

The views expressed by presenters are their own and their appearance in a program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Charles County Public Library.

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