Decorah Event to Spotlight Fight Against Book Censorship

Our Driftless region deserves more than postcards — it deserves a watchdog. Be that support. DECORAH — Join author and small-business advocate Danny Caine and Decorah middle and high school librarian Shannon Horton for a conversation, Q&A session and book signing at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, at Pulpit Rock Brewing Co.. The free event is sponsored by the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation, with support from Pulpit Rock Brewing Co. and Dragonfly Books. The event will focus on Caine's latest book, "How to Defend Books and Why: Book Bans and How We Fight Them," which examines book banning efforts in schools, libraries, bookstores and prisons and explores efforts to counter censorship campaigns. The book traces challenges to literature from the 1950s through the rise of groups such as Moms for Liberty during the COVID-19 pandemic and includes historical context, legal precedent and recommendations for further reading and activism. Caine is also the author of "How to Protect Bookstores and Why," "How to Resist Amazon and Why" and several poetry collections. He is the former owner of the Raven Book Store, which received Publishers Weekly's 2022 Bookstore of the Year award. His poetry has appeared in publications including The Slowdown, LitHub, DIAGRAM, HAD and Barrelhouse. He lives in Ohio. Horton has worked as a teacher librarian for more than 20 years and holds a master's degree in library and information studies from the University of Wisconsin. She currently serves as the middle and high school librarian for Decorah Community School District. The event is part of an author series hosted by Dragonfly Books and the Oneota Valley Literary Foundation that brings writers to Northeast Iowa for discussions on literature and writing. More information is available at Dragonfly Books. Those unable to attend may reserve signed copies by calling Dragonfly Books at 563-382-4275. Get the inside scoop! Subscribe to the free DecorahNews.com newsletter and receive local news, expert analysis, and stories that matter most—straight to your inbox.