Category Archives: Freedom of Speech

Library of Exile

Posted on March 20, 2020 by

I first discovered the ceramic artist and writer Edmund de Waal through his best-selling book The Hare with the Amber Eyes. If you are not familiar with the memoir, it’s a compelling read that encompasses not only de Waal’s family history, … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Art, Books, Europe, Freedom of Speech, History, Libraries, Museums, Writing | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

The America I Love Still Exists

Posted on January 8, 2020 by

“And on the subject of burning books: I want to congratulate librarians, not famous for their physical strength or their powerful political connections or their great wealth, who, all over this country, have staunchly resisted anti-democratic bullies who have tried … Continue reading →

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the books were waiting

Posted on November 17, 2019 by

 

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Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt

Posted on September 27, 2019 by

The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library opened in a donated storefront in the author’s hometown of Indianapolis in 2011. Over the years, the institution’s success as a tourist attraction and literary pilgrimage site made it obvious that the museum couldn’t … Continue reading →

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Forbidden Reads

Posted on September 25, 2019 by

I bet you thought that Banned Books Week would slip by without a mention from me; no chance of that. This week, September 22 through 28 is once again set aside to recognize the threat of censorship to any society. … Continue reading →

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A is for Anarchism

Posted on September 20, 2019 by

I recently had the chance to finally watch the New American Masters PBS documentary on the late science fiction writer Ursula K. Le Guin. For the most part, it was a good exploration of her life and career. Maybe if … Continue reading →

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Resistance Is Not Futile

Posted on September 17, 2019 by

In response to my post last week on the 10th anniversary of the American publication of Hans Fallada’s heartbreaking novel Every Man Dies Alone, TBTP reader Lincoln S. reminded me about the real life story of brother and sister Hans and Sophie … Continue reading →

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Word on the Street: San Diego

Posted on May 5, 2019 by

h/t Thomas Paine  

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A Very Timely Reminder

Posted on April 10, 2019 by

The American Library Association recently released its annual Top Ten List of Frequently Challenged Books, included in the ALA’s State of America’s Libraries Report 2019, an annual summary of library trends “that outlines statistics and issues affecting all types of libraries. Never … Continue reading →

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Perpetually Awaiting A Rebirth of Wonder

Posted on March 24, 2019 by

Today is the 100th birthday of America’s most loved living poet. If you spend any time at TBTP, you have by now likely noticed my fondness for Lawrence Ferlinghetti. In fact, the first poetry books that I bought were his A … Continue reading →

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