Sometimes publications are challenged due to disagreements over the themes and messages portrayed within their storylines. When this happens, there is a risk that these books will be banned and censored, therefore limiting the spread of knowledge and awareness of  important topics. In partnership with Austin Public Library and BookPeople, Pease Park Conservancy is excited to bring Banned Camp, Kids Edition, to Pease Park this summer.

We hope you will join us as we help our littlest readers engage with the conversation around intellectual freedom at these early literacy-building storytimes in Pease Park. We invite you to come together, engage with books that have been banned or challenged, and be part of the conversation.

The kickoff of the reading program is set to happen on Sunday, June 26th during our Pride Picnic with Future Front Texas! Join us for a day of abundant sunshine, community, and a wonderfully queer celebration of the summer solstice. Enjoy readings of Worm Loves Worm by J.J. Austrian as well as The Hips on the Drag Queen by Lil Miss Hot Mess!

Additionally, there are three Banned Camp readings scheduled at Pease Park for the rest of the summer. More information on these events can be found below, but for more information on readings occurring outside of Pease Park, visit the Austin Public Library and BookPeople websites. As always, check our website and social media to stay up to date on all future events.

Upcoming Readings:

• Jun 26, 2022 at 12pm at the Pease Park Pride Picnic - Worm Loves Worm by J.J. Austrian as well as The Hips on the Drag Queen by Lil Miss Hot Mess.

• Jul 10, 2022 at 9:30-10:30am - Hands Up! by Breanna McDaniel, a story about a young girl who lifts her hands up in a series of everyday moments throughout her life and finally raises her hands in resistance at a protest march.

• Jul 24, 2022 at 9:30-10:30am - And Tango Makes Three, by Justin Richardson, a story about two male penguins that fall in love and start a family by taking turns sitting on an abandoned egg until it hatches at New York City’s Central Park Zoo.

• Aug 7, 2022 at 9:30-10:30am - We Are Water Protectors, by Carole Lindstrom, a rallying cry to safeguard the Earth’s water from harm and corruption inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America.