Dare to Read Collective
Founded in 2022, the Dare to Read Collective (formerly the Banned Books Initiative) is a cross-campus organization whose mission is to advocate for the freedom of limitless reading, promote inclusive reading habits, and celebrate the joy of reading.
Campus Partners: Jean & Alexander Heard Libraries, Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center, Peabody College's Department of Teaching and Learning, Peabody College's Office of Student Life, Office of LGBTQI Life, and Student Center for Social Justice & Identity.
2024-2025 Events
Banned Books Week Events, September 22-28
- 9/23-9/27: Unbannable Library Interactive Displays. Throughout Banned Books Week, these large interactive book displays will be featured on four sites across Vanderbilt's campus: 2nd Floor of Central Library, 4th Floor of Central Library, Peabody Library, and Engine for Art Democracy and Justice's Begonia Labs located at 2805 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203.
- 9/23: The ABCs of Book Banning. Join us for a film screening of the short documentary "The ABCs of Book Banning," and stay for an insightful discussion with your peers and a panel of experts, including Dr. Tiffeni Fontno (Director of the Peabody Library), Dr. Emily Pendergrass (Assoc. Professor of the Practice of Literacy), and Dr. Kathleen Seabolt (Director of the Vanderbilt Child and Family Center). The film screening and discussion will take place in Rand 308 from 2:30-3:45pm on Monday, September 23.
- 9/24: Silent Read-In Party. Grab your favorite book, gather your friends, and join our Silent Read-In Party in the Community Room at Central Library from 2:00-4:00pm on Tuesday, September 24. Free salty snacks, cupcakes, and drinks provided. Each attendee will also have the chance to win free prizes, which will be given out every 30 minutes! Need to register to vote? No worries, Vandy Votes will be there to register voters.
- 9/25: Silent Read-In Party, Part Deux. Grab your favorite book, gather your friends, and join our Silent Read-In Party in the Fireside Reading Room at Peabody Library from 2:00-4:00pm on Tuesday, September 24. Free salty snacks, cupcakes, and drinks provided. Each attendee will also have the chance to win free prizes, which will be given out every 30 minutes!
