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When looking at banned book lists over time, and ALA's list of most challenged books for 2009 in particular, one characteristic that most of them share is that they target young people as readers. Sometimes the books are straight up for children and sometimes they are coming of age stories. Efforts to pull books come from both the Right and the Left, both concerned about the values conveyed in the text.
*
Many school districts have review boards to watch over what students are reading, and sometimes entire courses of study are marginalized (as Ethnic Studies was here in Arizona), however by a slim margin the Supreme Court determined that implicit in the freedom to express ideas is the freedom to receive ideas and so teachers and librarians can make books, even challenged ones, available to students.
- POSTED:
- September 02, 2010
- IN:
- News
Bookmans would like to encourage everyone to burn their books* as long as they can contain the fire. Maybe a few flags could be burned along the way as well. It's a free speech country and Bookmans stands firm for the free marketplace of ideas.

We are dedicating the entire month of September to the right to express ideas as well as the right to be exposed to those ideas. To that end, along side our regularly scheduled events, we've added events to get your dander up about attempts to supress your rights. Might we recommend Bookmans and Apollo 12 take on censorship through improv, Sept. 17 at Bookmans in Mesa? Alternatively, get geared up and wear your statement on censorship.
* Actually, Bookmans doesn't endorse burning books of any sort, but we do recommend knowing your rights.
First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Fourth Amendment: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
- POSTED:
- September 01, 2010
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- News
Our Altered Art classes at Bookmans in Mesa are increasing in popularity, but has always been full on creativity, community, and cheer.

What is Altered Art? It is an exploration of personal and sacred space. By using everyday, obtainable objects, we create meaningful tools for focus and concentration. Altered Art can be used for gifting something unique and personal to someone special, or merely to convey an appreciation of a subject or idea.
- POSTED:
- August 31, 2010
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- In-Store Events
This week, Bookmans is giving away free passes in Tucson and Phoenix for the suspense thriller The American starring Academy Award winner George Clooney. To win passes, follow our @BookmansTucson and @BookmansPhoenix Twitter feeds and follow directions when the cue comes to retweet the phrase, "Why buy new? http://bookmans.com".
- POSTED:
- August 30, 2010
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- Contests & Giveaways
Bookmans Flagstaff may not have a store yet, but they still have free kids' events! This morning, at 10:30am, Bookmans Flagstaff will be hosting free “Fandango Puppet Making” at the downtown public library. On October 1st, at 10:30am, also at the downtown public library, they will be hosting “Banned Book Story Time” for banned book week, featuring the works of Roald Dahl, Shel Silverstein, and other banned or challenged books appropriate for a young audience. Also watch out for updates on our anti-censorship movies at the Orpheum Theater, September 25th. For kids, we'll be showing Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone with a craft beforehand in the morning, and screening Clockwork Orange (for adults only!) at night.
- POSTED:
- August 30, 2010
- IN:
- News
Join us tonight at The Loft Cinema for a special celebration of Cult Classics with THE DARK KNIGHT!! For the last 3 years, Bookmans has been the proud sponsor of the weekly Cult Classics movies shown every Friday and Saturday night at The Loft, and this weekend we're taking the opportunity to highlight this great community partnership.
The first 50 people to arrive this evening will receive a FREE pass to the movie and everyone will have a chance to enter-to-win one of three $100 gift baskets or one of six $50 gift certificates! We'll be on The Loft patio starting at 9:30 p.m. and the shows starts at 10 p.m. We hope to see you at this amazing community celebration of movie madness!
- POSTED:
- August 28, 2010
- IN:
- News
UPCOMING EVENTS
New Hope Cattle Dogs' mission is helping discarded, stray and unwanted Australian Cattle Dogs/Blue Heelers/Red Heelers/Queensland Heelers (ACD's) that need a second chance at finding a forever home and providing education and training to the public. They'll be showing off some amazing animals that are up for adoption on September 12th from 11AM to 3PM.
- WHEN:
- 09/12/2010 - 11:00am - 2:00pm
- WHERE:
- Bookmans Ina
In the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, a $27 billion legal battle is raging. The locals are fighting against some of the biggest names in the oil industry and suing for oil contamination and the health issues that come along with it. The oil companies feel that the negative health conditions are due to poor sanitation but when the native people’s water tastes like oil and their health problems continue to grow in giant leaps, someone has to take a closer look, right? From the director of Brothers Keeper, Joe Berlinger’s documentary “Crude” will take in a depth look at an intense fight for rights and justice. Join mediator Karlie Hustle for a free screening of the film followed by a discussion.
- WHEN:
- 09/01/2010 - 5:30pm - 9:30pm
- WHERE:
- Bookmans Phoenix
A Browncoat is a fan of the works of Joss Whedon, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, Dollhouse, and specifically the short-lived television series Firefly and its film adaptation Serenity. The term “browncoat” refers to the distinctive brown dusters worn by the rebel army soldiers in the Firefly’s backstory. Fans around the world have adopted the term as a representation of an international family who believes in quality entertainment that truly means something to those it touches. But, browncoats are much more than a fandom. We fight a modern corporate media that tells us what to think and how to feel. “They’re in our homes and in our heads, and they haven’t the right.” (River Tam, Serenity).
- WHEN:
- 09/04/2010 - 7:00pm
- WHERE:
- Bookmans Phoenix
Shay and Chandler make up this rocking duo called Regretting Silence. Guitar and vocals are all these guys need to sweep you off your feet. Playing around Tucson and surrounding areas, these two came into Bookmans last month and asked if they could set up and play. After playing a quick demo of what they can do, we set them up front and they proceeded to brighten everyone's day! Soft but strong vocals and sweet guitar, these two are on the path to stardom. They are back for their 3rd appearance here in our store! Don't miss these two locals doing what they do best! See you at the gig! PeaceLove
- WHEN:
- 09/18/2010 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
- WHERE:
- Bookmans Speedway
DDMAU! This game is like UNO on steroids. A new card game created right here in Tucson! DDMAU creator Steven McClain will be on hand to teach you how to play this fast paced awesome new card game. Prizes, giveaways and fun will be included in this event! Learn how to play and get ready for the big DDMAU tournament September 18th of this year, 1st place $2000! If you like card games, don't miss out on this! See you there. PeaceLove
- WHEN:
- 09/04/2010 - 11:00am - 3:00pm
- WHERE:
- Bookmans Speedway
See how basic everyday skills were used for the arts as well as just living in the Middle Ages. These skills are still part of our modern world and can be used in our day to day lives. Classes are held the first Saturday of every month and all skill levels are welcome! You will have to provide your own materials but don't fret, contact John at aonghais@yahoo.com and he can tell you the best and cheapest place in the valley to pick some up!
- WHEN:
- 09/04/2010 - 12:30pm - 3:30pm
- WHERE:
- Bookmans Phoenix
Day before yesterday, Bookmans hosted a free Fandango puppet making event at the downtown public library, and everyone had a blast! We had monsters with many googly eyes, cyclops spiders, fuzzy puppy dogs, office workers with pipe cleaner ties, and all sorts of crazy creatures and characters! I made a super girly puppet that incorporated many of my daughter's favorite things, including: butterflies, flowers, cupcakes (one in the mouth & two in the hand), a motorcycle, and ladybugs. For the last twenty-four hours, I have had no trouble at all getting my 22-month-old to eat dinner, take a bath, and go to bed, with the help of the sparkly puppet. I had no idea how powerful puppet peer pressure could be!
- POSTED:
- September 01, 2010
- IN:
- none
The Konamis is a webcomic by Jack Crawford and Bookmans own Tavis Maiden (@tavismaiden). Updated each Monday, Wednesday and Friday, follow the adventures of The Konamis, a real comic tale about the real comic adventure of The Konamis (meaning "little waves"), the little ol' rock band that makes a big splash!
The Konamis: Casket Crusher

- POSTED:
- September 01, 2010
- IN:
- none
The August 9 Queens Academy was a huge success attracting over 30 women and girls of all ages to the Bookmans Low Lounge in the Sahuaro Girl Scout Resource Center. Participants broke off into three groups: beginner, intermediate and advanced. While beginners went over the rules and played pawn games with Jean, the intermediate and advanced groups were hard at work studying tactics in preparation for the upcoming 2nd Annual All Queens Chess Day this October.
- POSTED:
- August 31, 2010
- IN:
- none
The Tucson Community Food Bank, Skyline Flutes, and Bookmans teamed up for an evening of music and food security awareness.

- POSTED:
- August 31, 2010
- IN:
- none
Thanks to everyone who came out for our special Cult Classics screening of THE DARK KNIGHT on Saturday night at The Loft Cinema. The first 50 folks to arrive received a FREE pass to the movie and we gave away t-shirts, magnets, and other Bookmans' goodies galore!! Right before the start of the show we raffled off three amazing $100 Bookmans' gift baskets that were a huge hit with everyone - especially the three winners! If you missed this celebration of movie madness, don't despair! We have two fabulous Fight Censorship screenings of NAKED LUNCH and A CLOCKWORK ORANGE planned for September at The Loft. We'll be back with more free passes, great giveaways, and several of those lovely $100 gift baskets!
- POSTED:
- August 30, 2010
- IN:
- none
FEATURED ORGANIZATIONS
PHOENIX/MESA
The Downtown Phoenix Public Market
Flagstaff
Operation School Bell
TUCSON
Southern Arizona Blues Heritage Foundation
Buy your Tickets at Bookmans
Don't have a way to purchase concert tickets online? Want to avoid Will Call? Bookmans sells tickets for a variety of shows and events throughout Arizona. Tickets are available in each of our stores, regardless of location. Handling fee is included in ticket price. See the complete schedule.
- WHEN:
- 09/10/2010 - 7:00pm
- WHERE:
- The Rock
- WHEN:
- 09/17/2010 - 5:00pm
- WHERE:
- Tempe Beach Park
- WHEN:
- 09/17/2010 - 6:00pm
- WHERE:
- The Rock
- WHEN:
- 09/17/2010 - 6:30pm
- WHERE:
- Club Congress
- WHEN:
- 09/17/2010 - 7:00pm
- WHERE:
- Rialto Theatre
- WHEN:
- 09/18/2010 - 11:00am
- WHERE:
- Tempe Beach Park
- WHEN:
- 09/18/2010 - 7:00pm
- WHERE:
- Rialto Theatre
- WHEN:
- 09/18/2010 - 8:00pm
- WHERE:
- Plaza Palomino
Featured Event
Vinyl Revival - 4th Annual Hotel Congress Record Fest!
To coincide with the exciting reunion of Tucson’s legendary bands during the Hotel Congress 25th Anniversary party, it's the 4th Annual Record Fest! This anticipated Labor Day Weekend celebration is the perfect setting to hold this year’s Vinyl Revival – an event that passionate or novice record collectors, and lovers of all things vinyl will not want to miss! In the midst of the three-day music festival, the Record Fest will be on a mission to revive some of Tucson’s best music. Before rocking out to Saturday night’s lineup, check out the event inside Club Congress. Several independent dealers and local vendors such as Zia, Toxic Ranch, KXCI and many more, will be present to showcase rare, new, used and collectible vinyl records.
Hotel Congress
Project: Educate
Are you an educator? Join Project: Educate and receive 20% off your purchases.




