CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - The Cedar Rapids Public Library took a creative approach to addressing book censorship this week, hosting an arts and crafts event where participants bedazzled banned books to raise awareness about literary freedom.

The American Library Association reports that book ban requests decreased last year compared to the previous year, but remain higher than pre-pandemic levels. Most requests now come from organized groups rather than individual complaints.

About a dozen people participated in the bedazzling event, decorating covers of frequently challenged books with beads, glitter, and other craft materials. Olivia Backes, a librarian from Iowa City and Coralville, chose to decorate “The Alchemist.”

“I think it’s like religious people don’t like the idea of someth

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