Exploring Controversial Literature: A Unique Reading Event at Parkway Central Library
On Wednesday, October 7th, the Parkway Central Library will host an intriguing event titled Ban the Ban. The gathering will feature students from Temple University’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) reading from books that have been banned by various authorities throughout history. This event invites everyone to join and reflect on what makes these works deemed “dangerous” by those in power.
We spoke with Jean Haskell, an instructor of the course “A Study Group in Staged Reading,” to delve into her motivations for bringing banned literature to the forefront and to learn more about OLLI.
Engaging with OLLI
Jean Haskell recounted her journey with OLLI, saying, “When I was no longer working full time, I looked for activities that I would enjoy and that would be interesting. I learned that Temple had a school for ‘elders’, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), and I signed up for a class in playreading. I have a huge love for theater, and I loved the class.”
The Birth of “Staged Reading”
Haskell explained how her background as an organizational psychologist led her to propose a course on “public speaking,” which evolved into “Staged Reading.” She elaborated, “As an organizational psychologist, I had worked with many executives to help them become better public speakers. I put in a proposal to OLLI to teach ‘public speaking’ and I called it ‘Staged Reading’ which I thought sounded more dramatic, perhaps more interesting than the ‘public speaking’ that so many of us had to take in High School. One big difference is that a good ‘public speaker’ generally does not read a speech. We are specifically readers.”
Despite initial concerns about the course’s appeal, Haskell was pleased to find her class fully subscribed, with about 25 students eager to participate.
Goals and Surprises
Haskell outlined the goals she hopes her students achieve: “First, I hope they learn to make careful selections so that they can keep up their enthusiasm as we rehearse the readings week after week in the class. Second, I hope they learn the importance of projecting one’s voice when speaking to a group of people. And third, I hope they become more and more aware of the fact that books are being banned in this country every day, which means that young adults are being deprived of the opportunity to read a book that might ‘touch their souls.'”
She also noted her delight at the enthusiasm her students show each year, stating, “I am always surprised—and pleased—that my students get so excited about doing these readings year after year. They have to rehearse every week in class, over and over again—and I am often surprised that not only are they willing to do that, but they are also happy to perform and spread the message about the fact that books are being banned in our country.”
Personal Favorites
While Haskell doesn’t have a single favorite banned book, she shared a fondness for Lady Chatterley’s Lover and Tango Makes Three, citing their personal significance and charm.
The “Ban the Ban” event is co-sponsored by the Children’s Literature Research Collection and the Rare Book Department, both part of the Special Collections at the Parkway Central Library. For more information on these collections or to schedule a visit, please follow the links provided.
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