Banned Books Week Celebrates Freedom to Read

Banned Books Week (September 27 - October 3, 2020) is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. It brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.

1LT Clarence West of Charleston

First Lieutenant Clarence West accomplished a great deal before he was killed in action in Germany during World War II. One of eight children West was an honor roll student at North Charleston High School before joining the military. In addition to his military service, he worked for the North State Lumber Corporation. He earned the Combat Infantry Badge before his death on November 5, 1944. First Lieutnenant West was survived by his wife, Armistine, and daughter Emily.