Library employee raises awareness of Banned Books Week after trustees bar celebration

After Flathead County Library Board of Trustees directed staff to no longer celebrate Banned Books Week, one longtime staff member took matters into her own hands, making a sign and displaying banned books outside the library during her days off this week. 

Sierra Benjamin has been working at Flathead County Library for nearly a decade. In an interview this week, she said she’s tired of the drama surrounding Banned Books Week, noting that a protest of the board’s decision last year resulted in no change. 

“I think the people who protested last year are just kind of burned out, but I don't mind being out here and reading books and talking to people for a few days,” Benjamin said.