Win a $50.00 Amazon gift card by completing the “Amazing Race – Library Edition” with the fastest time. The contest will be held September 25-28, 2017 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Arapahoe Community College (ACC) library.

Like the hit TV series, participants will use clues to help them navigate to various destinations. Instead of trekking around the world, participants will explore the ACC library.

Unlike the TV show, teams or individuals may race, but sharing the work with your team means you must also share the prize. Only one gift card will be given, regardless of how many people are on a team. “You have to decide amongst yourselves how to split it up,” says Lisa Blake, Head Reference Librarian at ACC.

Completion times will be recorded all week and the winner will be notified on September 29.

Visit the library this week to reserve a time slot to race. Or come on a walk-in basis next week. “We know people are super busy, but if you have a break, why not?” Blake asks. “Just pop in and do it for 25, 30 minutes.”

The contest promotes Banned Books Week which runs September 24-30. The ACC library recognizes this week because librarians believe in giving people the right to read what they want, when they want it. Blake explains, “We want to be pretty limitless and pretty open. And accessible to all.”

Image via Rachel Lorenz

Books do, however, continue to be challenged, and sometimes removed, from libraries across the country. Blake cites Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles as a recent example. This summer, the graphic novel was removed from the Challenger Middle School library in Colorado Springs despite a petition filed by librarians.

A collection of banned and challenged books is currently on display in the Featured Exhibit bookcase of the ACC library.

Look for more information about The Amazing Race – Library Edition on Facebook, Twitter, and flyers around campus.

Or ask a librarian.