The Derrell Roberts Library of Dalton State College will host a banned-book reading from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the Goodroe Auditorium of Gignilliat Memorial Hall at 650 College Drive.

College faculty, staff and students will read selections from formerly banned books, said Melissa Whitesell, reference/instructional librarian at the Roberts Library, in a news release.

"The library is hosting this event to draw attention to the importance of intellectual freedom, and the freedom to access information and express ideas, even if the information and ideas might be considered unorthodox or unpopular," she said. "Banned Book Week events are instrumental in efforts to block censorship and raise awareness of the value of literature in our society."

Preceding the readings, Jody Trost, coordinator of the college's First Year Experience and Peer Instruction programs, will review rights to freedom of speech and expression under the First Amendment.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call the library at 706-272-4575.