YWCA’s banned book club hopes to bring important discussion to the table | Local News

MANKATO — Sometimes the best fruit is the forbidden one.

That is why Hayley Goddard, adult and youth program manager of Mankato’s YWCA, is forming an adult banned books club. The first meeting is Sept. 22 at the YWCA, 222 Pfau St.

The term “banned books” can take on different meanings depending on the state you live in. In Texas, banned books are works you actually cannot find in schools and many libraries, while in Minnesota where there are no banned books; it is more of an ideology.

“It’s talking about what someone deemed controversial topics, and a lot of them end up being about diversity, equity and inclusion, or ones that have violence within them,” Goddard said about content the books might include. “What some would consider sort of sensitive, sensitive material are what are considered to be banned books.”

Even though Minnesota law doesn’t allow book banning in libraries, people still have a desire to read the ones banned in other states. Due to the controversial, and oftentimes politically relevant content, there has been a clear rise in popularity for banned books in the recent years.

In this region, most libraries observe what is considered Banned Book Week, which is in October.

Hallie Borglum, assistant director of North Mankato Taylor Library, said banned books are important for everybody to be aware of.

“It’s important for people to acknowledge that there is still use for them and there’s still value there,” Borglum said. “They often provide a different outlook from the lives of people that you may not normally interact with.”

For Goddard and the YWCA, that meant focusing the club on DEI and empowering women. She thinks the age 18-plus club will accurately portray the nonprofit’s mission.

“We’re trying to center female authors and female stories as well,” she said. “DEI is at the center of what we’re doing here at the YWCA. I think what we’re really hoping to do is sort of push the envelope on these issues.”

The books the club will read are “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood and “Beloved” by Toni Morrison.

The discussion for the first half of “The Handmaid’s Tale” will take place during the club’s first meeting, while talks about the second half of the book will happen Oct. 20. For “Beloved,” the first half discussion is Nov. 17 and the second half on Dec. 15.

Finally, Goddard wanted the club to be more than just a space to discuss controversial topics — it’s a place to build a community.

“We’re just really hoping that will attract some folks that are just wanting to get connected to other people in the community and talk about some of these topics.”