From the Bible to “Little Red Riding Hood,” many books have been challenged or banned across the United States.

Parks Library is sponsoring a reading of some of these forbidden books during the 21st annual National Banned Book Week. On Tuesday at 4 p.m., Barbara Mack, associate professor of journalism and mass communication, will read excerpts from books such as “Lysistrata,” Dr. Seuss’s “The Lorax,” and Mark Twain’s novel “Huckleberry Finn.”

“It’s an eye-opener for people,” said Karen Lawson, library information technology officer.

“Little Red Riding Hood” was banned in two California school districts because it appeared that there was wine in the basket Little Red Riding Hood was carrying, Lawson said.

Lawson cited the Winston Churchill quote, “Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality that guarantees all the others,” saying it sums up what Banned Book Week embodies. “You have to stand up for your rights, especially in a university setting,” Lawson said.

“There are plenty of things people would like to censor,” said Bryan Cain, former adviser of the American Civil Liberties Union at Iowa State.

Cain, professor of mathematics, said people struggle to reach an accommodation for everyone. Books, he said, are not the only thing censored – there is also censorship in the classroom as well as difficulty in accessing information.

Cara Harris, sophomore in liberal arts and sciences and president of the ISU chapter of ACLU, said the banning of books is an infringement on the First Amendment right of free speech. She said great literature has been banned throughout history.

Following the readings there will be a reception in the Fireplace Room at the library.