UnCensored Ink Interview – Kelly Webber

Hey everyone,

Ian Tan here, lead editor and project coordinator of UnCensored Ink: A Banned Book Inspired Anthology, set to release this October 29. Here is the UnCensored Ink interview series to introduce you all to the incredible writers, as well as the local bookstores and libraries that gave them safe creative spaces. Hopefully you can put these incredible places on your to-visit list, and feel inspired to support your own local bookstore, library and indie authors.

Today I am with Kelly Webber from New Jersey. She is a proud graduate of the University of Maryland’s library science program. Before entering the library world, she earned her BA in English literature and taught literacy in a variety of contexts, from reading with preschoolers to assistant teaching for an undergraduate linguistics course. Her first experience working in libraries took place in a beautiful (and possibly haunted) public library. She now combines her passions for libraries and education as a school media specialist in her home state.

1. You’ve written a fine piece for UnCensored Ink: a banned book anthology. Can you give us a synopsis? How did the idea for this piece come about?

My piece for Uncensored Ink, “Alexandria Again,” is an essay reflecting on the role of libraries in our world. I couldn’t possibly say everything I want to about this topic in one essay, but I made sure to include a combination of key historical moments in library history, up-to-date statistics on censorship, and some of my own personal experiences. My goal was to demonstrate that libraries are not fading into obscurity; they’re more important than ever before! In addition to being included in Uncensored Ink, excerpts of my essay have been heard by a live audience in a hearing for the Freedom to Read Act, a bill in my state that would implement structures to protect libraries and librarians in the face of book bans. (njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S2421/bill-text?f=S2500&n=2421_I1)

2. Now, we would love to know you more! What do you enjoy doing in your free time, what is your favorite book quote, and how did you get into reading and writing?

I got into reading as a kid with authors like Erin Hunter, Madeleine L’Engle, and Gail Carson Levine. I found one of my favorite book quotes in middle school, from the Princess Diaries series by Meg Cabot: “Never think that you can’t make a difference. Even if you’re only sixteen, and everyone is telling you that you’re just a silly teenage girl—don’t let them push you away.” I think I took that to heart when I started writing for my school newspaper. I wanted to write something that made a real, positive difference in the world.

3. Do you have a favorite local library or bookstore? Also can you remember bookstores and libraries from your childhood, if they are not the same as the ones now?

I grew up in a town with a big library, Westfield Memorial Library, and a small independent bookstore, The Town Bookstore (yes that’s the actual name haha). I loved both so much! I participated in the library’s summer reading program and the bookstore would sometimes give out Advanced Readers Copies of upcoming books. As an adult, I briefly worked in Raritan Public Library, a little public library I adored.

4. Tell us more about this bookstore/library. What do you love most about it?

The library where I worked was an old historic building, with some parts being nearly 300 years old. It was such a cozy space, with relics of the town’s history preserved in glass cases between bookshelves. I’m not sure how the superstition started, but several library employees swore the building was haunted and refused to stay a minute after closing time because they said the ghost would come out at night.

Kelly put one of her favorite books on display at the library

I got to put one of my favorite childhood books on display at the library!

A library event focused on sustainability: We helped kids make “seed bombs” with soil, wildflower seeds, and clay that they could take home and plant in a pot or garden. Wildflowers are good for local pollinators like bees and butterflies!

5. What do you have to say on the importance of sustaining bookstores and libraries?

I was initially drawn to libraries because who doesn’t love free access to books? But I’ve come to see libraries as so much more: a place where anyone can find community and all kinds of resources. Families come in for storytime; the building provides an escape from harsh weather for those with nowhere else to go; and there’s often free classes or tutoring for adults learning English or working toward their GED. When censorship threatens library funding, we risk losing access not just to books (although that would be bad enough on its own) but also many more resources that entire communities depend on. If you’d like to delve into these topics more and learn more, I’d recommend looking into the organization Every Library (everylibrary.org/) and the book Before the Ballot: Building Political Support for Library Funding by John Chrastka.

6. Do you have any projects that your current and future readers can look forward to?

I’m currently working on The Battle of Goldenrod, a sequel to my debut novel Wisteria. It’s an interactive gamebook, so readers will be able to solve mysteries, break curses, and make choices for the characters.

7. Lastly, what platforms can we find you? (Social media and websites are all encouraged, this is to highlight and champion you guys)

Website: kellywebberbooks.com.

Instagram: @kellywebberbooks

Tiktok: @wisteriabooks