Ken Wachsberger's first political arrest was in 1970 as part of an MSU protest - after 32 years, a published book series and many more protests, he continues to fight for the freedom to read.
Wachsberger, the editor of a book set on banned books, was surrounded by challenged paperbacks at the East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbott Road, as part of East Lansing's One Book, One Community program Monday night.
"The First Amendment is America's most precious gift in the world," he said. "It's not democracy, we didn't come up with that idea. It's not capitalism. It's not imperialism. It's the First Amendment."
Wachsberger discussed his four-volume book series, "Banned Books," which focuses on more than 400 books that have been prohibited or threatened to be taken off the shelves for political, social, religious and sexual reasons.
Laurie St. Laurent, head of adult and children services at the library, said the discussion fits perfectly with the communitywide reading of "Fahrenheit 451," which has a history of censorship.
"We've seen many people really appreciating the idea that they can read what they chose," she said. "He shows a current viewpoint of censorship and current battles that might be affecting the freedom of information."
There are many types of censorship that people don't think of, Wachsberger said.
"Not every censorship is a precedent-setting case. It can include teachers that delete references, bookstores stop selling books deemed offensive and authoritarian personalities using censorship to beef up their power," he said.
He also pointed out censorship in the world of publishing, saying the consolidation of publishers restricts independent voices that don't fit in the marketing plan.
East Lansing residents and MSU faculty, staff and students began reading "Fahrenheit 451" through the One Book, One Community program in early October and have participated in reading groups, panel discussions, celebrity book readings and special dinners in the MSU residence halls. The program continues through Nov. 15.
East Lansing resident Holly Richmond said the book was a perfect choice for the program.
"I was astonished by it when I first read it," she said. "And I didn't want to read it again. I thought it would be a quaint read. But it turns out the book is more prevalent today than it ever was. The man was a visionary. It's like it was written yesterday."
But the turnout for the events has been poor, Richmond said.
"I haven't seen many high school students or people from the university," she said. "The only thing that concerns me is that I'm not sure if we've came together as a community."
