Forbidden Books and Dangerous Words

Censorship and book bans are not a thing of the past. In the USA alone, nearly 6,000 titles are currently banned from schools in Florida - and pressure against the written word is growing globally.

The situation is less acute here at home and in the rest of Europe, but freedom of expression and book bans have nonetheless sparked heated discussions, both now and throughout history. What is it about certain books and authors that makes people want to silence them?

Local bookseller Daniel Fejerskov and librarian Jan M. Johansen explore this question drawing on Danish PEN's campaign #ForbiddenBooks, which runs across the country throughout October. The campaign highlights the growing pressure on freedom of expression through exhibitions, readings, and lectures.

The event takes place on the Stage at Roskilde Library, which is accessible for wheelchair users, walkers, and prams. Hearing-impaired visitors are welcome to bring their own assistive devices.