By Brittni Reinertsen

UW News Lab

This month marks the second annual appearance of some unique books at the Kirkland Public Library; unique because while many can be opened, none of the novels can be read.

The 11 books, including “The Bell Jar” and “The Giving Tree,” are currently on display as works of art to celebrate Banned Books Week.

Local artists were asked to participate in the exhibit that recognizes banned or censored books with art. Participants were encouraged to read their chosen title first and then develop it into a piece that communicates the book’s censorship.

The only catch was that the resulting pieces be virtually unreadable. This artistic feature was used during last year’s exhibit and also echoes the current Banned Book Week theme, “Closing books shuts out ideas.”

“It seems to me to be a perfect irony to have the book in hand but to be literally unable to open it,” Elsa Steele, managing librarian at the Kirkland Public Library, said. Steele developed the creative exhibit concept last year along with friend and contributing artist Rebecca DeVere.

Steele said, “The purpose of the exhibit is to subtly encourage the viewer into thinking about what censorship really does.”

Banned Books Week is traditionally celebrated during the final week in September, but Steele said the issue of book censorship is relevant year round.

The week is sponsored by the American Library Association and has celebrated the “freedom to read” since 1982. But despite 28 years of awareness, books are still being banned. Recent challenged titles include “The Kite Runner,” “Prep: The Novel” and “The Lovely Bones.”

This year’s chosen titles are placed among library shelves and on pedestals donated by Cable Griffith, Exhibitions Director at the Kirkland Arts Center, and will be on display through the end of November.

DeVere, who helped organize the event and contact local artists, explained how this year’s exhibit is different from 2007s.

“Last year our show was just letting the public become aware that books are still banned and censored in many parts of the country. This year the issue is political,” DeVere explained.

Her piece features a milk bottle containing the burned remains of the book “Fahrenheit 451,” a novel that discusses government-enforced censorship.

DeVere included several quotes from the book in her artist’s statement that reflect her opinion of banning books.

One quote states, “The point is obvious. There is more than one way to burn a book. And the world is full of people running around with lit matches.”

Artist Ellen Miffitt also recognized the political tone of this year’s exhibit.

“In this current political climate, it is very important to make sure that even more rights are not restricted by the federal government,” Miffitt said. “I don’t think people realize how closely we are all monitored in the name of safety.”

A young girl’s diary hidden in a dictionary for the book “Are you there, God? It’s me, Margaret,” is another example of the art displayed, along with a copy of “The Crucible” bound by branches amid reproductions of authentic manuscripts from the Salem witch trials and McCarthy hearings.

The King County Library System Foundation (KCLS) has invited the artists to donate their art for auction at the conclusion of the exhibit. Jeanne Thorsen, Executive Director of the KCLS Foundation, said in a letter to the artists that all proceeds support literacy and lifelong learning activities.

A reception honoring the art and artists will be held during the first week of November, Steele said. It will also feature a discussion of censorship.

Despite censorship still being an issue today, there is reason to celebrate, a book published for Banned Books Week 2004 stated.

“Due to the commitment of parents, students, librarians, teachers, and other concerned citizens, more and more challenges are unsuccessful, and the reading material remains available,” the book written by Robert P. Doyle and published by the ALA said.

In Kirkland, that commitment has ironically motivated exactly what banned books prevent. Reading.

“I can’t imagine a better outcome!” DeVere added upon learning that her artwork inspired a young woman to read “Fahrenheit 451”.

For more information on Banned Books Week visit the American Library Association’s website at www.ala.org.

Brittni Reinertsen is a student in the University of Washington Department of Communication News Laboratory.