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Last week, libraries around the nation celebrated the annual Banned Books Week, aiming to bring awareness to book bans and challenges, and to encourage conversations about sometimes uncomfortable topics and people’s right to read. “I think [the goal of Banned Books Week] is to give people information about when censorship does occur, and when we withhold ideas from others, we need to talk about why, and the other part of the discussion becomes ‘Why do I believe my values and morals should be placed on you?’ And so [Banned Books Week], really kind of, opens up the discussion and kind of leads to some of those conversations,” OH Library Director Drew Mundsinger said. “There's some books [like] Toni Morrison’s ‘The Bluest Eye,’ kids really don't read that anymore, but… that's, like, in the top [most banned books] of all time.” While OH isn’t running any specific programs this year, the Oswego Public Library District (OPLD), with locations in Downtown Oswego and in Montgomery, is running reading challenges for both the youth and teen and adult departments. “This year, we are honoring Banned Books Week with a reading challenge, called the ‘Perspective Challenge’ for teens and adults, and ‘Discover A Different Story’ challenge for children. Challenge cards are available at each campus for patrons to pick up and complete one of the challenges. This is to encourage patrons to read a book about an experience or a character that is unlike themselves, as many of the titles frequently banned show a character or story with different or diverse perspectives,” Assistant Library Director of the OPLD Alli Parker said.

OH has been recognized for the strength of its Fine Arts programs by the Illinois Art Education Association (IAEA) with the School of Distinction Award. The recognition emphasizes the work of OH students and teachers across multiple areas of the arts. According to Fine Arts Department Chair Michael Skura, the recognition has been the result of growth within the department.  “When I first became a department chair back in 2004, I had a five year plan,” Skura said. “By 2010, our kids were just really doing incredible work.” The Fine Arts Department teaches about a wide range of artistic disciplines and mediums, including sculpture, pottery, jewelry, mixed media, digital art and photography. Skura said the department’s success comes from the relationship between teachers, students and their shared effort to produce creative and strong work.

Last week, the OH Latin American Student Organization Club (LASO) designed their own Hispanic Heritage Month Spirit Week to celebrate the diverse culture at OH. Hispanic Heritage Month started Sep. 15th and goes until October 15th, with many students of all cultures participating in this week of representation. Spirit weeks allow for OH students to connect as a community through clothes and expression. Hispanic Heritage Spirit Week especially allows Latino students to show off their culture and pride.