That night, faculty and librarians will read from children's books banned or challenged. Librarian Kimberly Embleton and English professor Joseph Thomas are coordinating the event.

The readings, which are free and open to the public, will begin at 7 p.m. in the Presentation Room of the library, located in the center of the campus at 18111 Nordhoff St. in Northridge.

Excerpts from the "Harry Potter" series by J. K. Rowling, the "Captain Underpants" series by Dav Pilkey, "Harriet the Spy" by Louise Fitzhugh and Shel Silverstein's "A Light in the Attic" will be read at that evening.

In addition to the reading, the library is currently featuring an exhibition of banned books in its lobby. The exhibit runs through Oct. 1.

Each year, thousands of libraries and bookstores across the country celebrate the freedom to read during Banned Books Week, Sept. 24 through Oct. 1. They mark the occasion with displays and reading of books that have been banned or threatened throughout history, from the Bible to "Little Red Riding Hood." The annual event, a celebration of the freedom to read, is designed to remind Americans not to take this freedom for granted.