This weekend, you can join in a nationwide effort to draw attention to challenged literature for Banned Books Week. ---

On Saturday, Sept. 24 at 5 p.m., Sam Weller's Bookstore (254 S. Main St., Salt Lake City) will host an open-mic "Read Out" recognizing national Banned Books Week. Members of the public are invited to read two-minute selections from a work that has been challenged or banned from public or school libraries or other public settings. Sam Weller's will record the readings, and post them to the store's YouTube channel, as well as on the channel for the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression.

Those interested in participating may sign up at the event, but are encouraged to register in advance by calling the store at 801-328-2586 with the work you'd like to read, or e-mailing John Clukey (john@samwellers.com).