Each day during Banned Books Week we will profile one of the seven recipients of FTRF's Judith F. Krug Memorial Fund 2013 Banned Books Week grants. Day 2 features the Gadsden Public Library in Alabama.

Hundreds of books were returned to the Gadsden Public Library's shelves to mark the beginning of Banned Books Week in Gadsden, Ala.  Both the removal and return of the books were featured prominently in the local paper, and kicked off a series of great events this week—most centered around Ray Bradbury's classic (and frequently challenged) Fahrenheit 451.

Tonight there will be a symbolic destruction of banned books in the library parking lot, in lieu of an actual burning of a symbolic representation of books (the library was unable to secure a burn permit!), followed by a reception.  On Friday there will be a Read-Out and banned books art exhibit at the local museum of art.

The Fahrenheit 451-related events include a lecture tomorrow by Gadsden State University professor Chris Harrison, and another on Wednesday by past Bradbury Center fellow Dr. Robert Woods.  Thursday there will be a Fahrenheit 451 discussion at a local brewpub, as well as a discussion with inmates at the Etowah County Jail.

A full list of events is here (and check out their beautiful flyer). All in all, an ambitious and exciting commemoration of Banned Books Week for the first Krug Fund recipient in Alabama!

Follow @gadsdenlibrary on Twitter and check out their Facebook page for updates and photos from their many events!