Brooklyn Public Library welcomes George Takei to Central Library’s Grand Lobby for a conversation about the transformative power of books and the dangerous trend of censorship. The event is free and open to the public.

A pioneering author, actor and activist, George Takei is the honorary chair of Banned Books Week 2025. This annual nationwide event highlights the value of open access to information and the freedom to seek and express ideas from all points of view.

Take Action Against Book Bans

Following Mr. Takei’s conversation with librarian and poet Adeeba Rana, special guests and the public will be invited to the stage to share their own stories about books which inspired them; their experiences with censorship; and the importance of the First Amendment.

Special Guests Include: 

• Philomena Polefrone, associate director of American Booksellers for Free Expression
• Playwright Kate Hamill
• Broadway Actress Valerie Wright
• Actor and Grammy Nominee Austin Ku
• ALA President Sam Helmick
• Jonathan Friedman, Syms Managing Director, U.S. Free Expression Programs at PEN America

Plus:

• 📸 Have your photo taken – photographer David Gray will take photos of participants with their favorite book. Please bring a copy of a book that is meaningful to you. The photographs will become part of an exhibition at Central Library during Banned Books Week.
• 💡 Learn more  – representatives from the National Coalition Against Censorship, the American Library Association Office of Intellectual Freedom, and the Brooklyn Voter Alliance will be at the event.
• 📚 Take home free books – giveaways galore!

Note: Registrations will be honored on a first come, first served basis until we reach capacity.