Vashon Library isn’t often the scene of an event that can provoke, inspire and even shock Islanders. But at 2 p.m. Saturday, when Mad Magazine editor Joe Raiola speaks about “The Joy of Censorship,” he promises it’ll be just that.

The show is geared toward adults, because of its salty language and content. Raiola said he often “stretches the envelope.”

“It’s a very outspoken, provocative and humorous take on all things First Amendment,” he said. “I am doing things you don’t normally do at a library.”

A senior editor of the magazine that has from its inception encouraged readers “to question authority,” Raiola is no stranger to censorship. In the 1950s, Mad Magazine’s earliest years, it repeatedly faced threats of censorship.

He’s learned, he said, to challenge authority by defending free speech. He’s been touring nationwide as a comedian, fighting what he sees as an emerging smothering of free speech.

From newspapers to comedy clubs, some are putting a lid on freedom of speech — and Raiola’s stirring up the issue with “The Joy of Censorship.”

“It’s designed to get under people’s skins and get them to look at things differently,” he said. “At its best, it inspires a dialogue and hopefully is entertaining along the way.”

The library is the perfect place to host his edgy show, Raiola said, because it’s long been an arena in which free speech is cherished and upheld.

Librarians “understand that the First Amendment must be upheld,” he said.

“Libraries across the country are in the middle of a culture war — books are being taken off the shelf, the PATRIOT Act. Librarians never signed up for this, and they grapple with the stuff every day, so for a library that is committed to championing the First Amendment, I think they feel good about bringing me in, because I’m someone who’s out in the open.”

Managing librarian Hester Kremer said Vashon is lucky to have Raiola speak on the Island.

“I think it’s going to be a wonderful show,” she said.

“I know there are many people on Vashon who are politically active, and our First Amendment rights are so important to the library and to library users. I’m hoping that people will be inspired by this and want to read a banned book or learn more.”