Schools and libraries across the country are banning and challenging books. As Scene reporter Kelsey Beyeler reported in April, Tennessee is at the national forefront of book challenges. Two Nashvillians decided there was something they could do — something that involved community and libations. Poet Ciona Rouse and musician Aria Cavaliere created Banned: A Book Happy Hour. Once a month, Rouse and Cavaliere, along with Third Man Books, co-host a meet-up on the patio at The Blue Room and discuss the banned or challenged book they read that month. At a time when it’s easy to get bogged down trying to find places to plug in and make change or offer assistance, it’s helpful to see two people come together and create community around a topic that matters so much to so many of us.
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