Every year on the last week of September, the entire nation recognizes Banned/Controversial Book Week, where schools and workplaces recognize their rights to be able to read books that other places in the nation consider too dangerous to be read. In celebration of this week, the FHN Learning Commons is hosting a Twitter mugshot battle. Anyone in FHN can participate by simply posting a mugshot-style photo of themselves and a banned book. Mugshots can be posted on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, using the hashtag #FHNarrestedforreading. The post that receives the most likes and retweets by the end of the week will earn their poster a $50 gift card to anywhere the winner choses.

“We hope to promote everyone’s right to read what they want,” Media Specialist Tara Willen said.

While the contest has been done before, this is the first time that the contest will take place on a social media platform. The Learning Commons hopes that this will promote creativity and give accessibility to all wishing to participate. If students or staff have trouble finding a banned book to pose with, there is a section full of them in the Learning Commons. Also, if students and staff are having trouble coming up with ideas for poses, simply ask the Learning Commons staff for assistance.

“Hopefully, we’ll get some good participation, and hopefully it will promote reading,” Media Specialist Angie Davis said. “Books have been challenged and banned in some places, and there’s a lesson to learn from that.”

The contest runs until Friday, Sept. 28 at 12 p.m, when the Media Specialists will look to see which posts have the most likes and retweets.