Intellectual Freedom

��ϲʿ��app Hosts Historic Intellectual Freedom Summit at the Library of Congress

RAGARCIA — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 14:43:44 +0000

��ϲʿ��app Hosts Historic Intellectual Freedom Summit at the Library of Congress

Event Forge Collaborative Playbook to Address Censorship Challenges and Protect Free Expression

WASHINGTON - The ��ϲʿ��app () convened a third Intellectual Freedom Summit in its nearly 150-year history, bringing together national organizations, publishing allies, educational institutions, foundations, authors and other champions of intellectual freedom. The event, which was held at the Library of Congress on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, aims to forge strong partnerships and shape strategy to battle the rising tides of censorship.

“As we gathered at the world’s largest library, we identified strategies to respond to the withdrawal and censorship of information,” said Cindy Hohl, president of the ��ϲʿ��app. “We are joining forces to lift ourselves and ultimately our country above the fray of polarization and politicization of access to information.”

The last Intellectual Freedom Summit, held in 1953, produced the seminal Freedom to Read Statement, a vital document published in response to the censorship pressures of the McCarthy era. That statement, enthusiastically approved by the American Book Publishers Council, remains a foundational text for the protection of intellectual freedom in America.

This year’s summit builds on that legacy, inviting a broad and diverse coalition of voices to collaborate on a new playbook that addresses emerging censorship challenges. New and traditional allies will work together to ensure that all Americans, regardless of political perspective or belief, can continue to be a free people who read freely.

recognizes the importance of including voices from across the spectrum of beliefs, political ideologies, and experiences to inform this critical work. For more information on summit attendees and speakers, visit freepeoplereadfreely.org.

The ’s mission is “to provide leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all."

About the ��ϲʿ��app

The ��ϲʿ��app () is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.

RAGARCIA Wed, 09/18/2024 - 09:43

Intellectual Freedom

Contact:

Jean Hodges

Director

Communications, Marketing and Media Relations

cmomedia@ala.org

��ϲʿ��app to Host Historic Intellectual Freedom Summit at the Library of Congress

test-ala-admin — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 14:07:42 +0000

��ϲʿ��app to Host Historic Intellectual Freedom Summit at the Library of Congress

Event to Forge Collaborative Playbook to Address Censorship Challenges and Protect Free Expression

WASHINGTON - The ��ϲʿ��app () is convening a third Intellectual Freedom Summit in its nearly 150-year history, bringing together national organizations, publishing allies, educational institutions, foundations, authors and other champions of intellectual freedom. The event, which will be held at the Library of Congress on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, aims to forge strong partnerships and shape strategy to battle against the rising tides of censorship.

“When we gather at the world’s largest library, we will identify strategies to respond to the withdrawal and censorship of information,” said Cindy Hohl, president of the ��ϲʿ��app. “We will join forces to lift ourselves and ultimately our country above the fray of polarization and politicization of access to information.”

The last Intellectual Freedom Summit, held in 1953, produced the seminal Freedom to Read Statement, a vital document published in response to the censorship pressures of the McCarthy era. That statement, developed in collaboration with the American Book Publishers Council, remains a foundational text for the protection of intellectual freedom in America.

This year’s summit will build on that legacy, inviting a broad and diverse coalition of voices to collaborate on a new playbook that addresses emerging censorship challenges. New and traditional allies will work together to ensure that all Americans, regardless of political perspective or belief, can continue to be a free people who read freely for the next 150 years.

About the ��ϲʿ��app

Limited press availability will take place immediately after the event. For further information or press inquiries, please contact:

Jean Hodges
Director of Communications, Marketing and Media Relations
��ϲʿ��app
jhodges@ala.org or cmomedia@ala.org

test-ala-admin Mon, 09/16/2024 - 09:07

Advocacy

Intellectual Freedom

Contact:

Jean Hodges

Director of Communications

Marketing and Media Relations

cmomedia@ala.org

Filmmaker Ava Duvernay To Lead Banned Books Week As Honorary Chair

test-ala-admin — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 22:18:23 +0000

Filmmaker Ava Duvernay To Lead Banned Books Week As Honorary Chair

Filmmaker Ava Duvernay To Lead Banned Books Week As Honorary Chair

White House Honoree Julia Garnett to Serve as Youth Honorary Chair

CHICAGO — Award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay has been named honorary chair for Banned Books Week 2024, which takes place September 22 – 28. DuVernay will be joined by youth honorary chair Julia Garnett, a student activist who fought book bans in her home state of Tennessee.

"I believe that censorship is the enemy of freedom,” said DuVernay, honorary chair of Banned Books Week. “By banning books, we deny ourselves the opportunity to learn from the past and to envision a braver future. Books have the power to open minds and build bridges. This is why certain forces do not want the masses to engage with books. They fear progress and growth in new, bold directions. For this reason, Banned Books Week is vitally important. It is a celebration of our right to access varied voices and to engage with ideas that challenge and champion us. I am honored to be selected as honorary chair of Banned Book Week for this election year, and I stand with my fellow readers, fellow writers and fellow advocates around the world who refuse to let voices be silenced."

DuVernay is the groundbreaking writer, director, and producer behind acclaimed films and television projects such as Selma, 13th, Queen Sugar, and When They See Us. She is an Academy Award nominee and winner of Emmy, BAFTA, NAACP, GLAAD, Critics Choice, and Peabody Awards.

A staunch advocate for education and free expression, DuVernay directed two films inspired by frequently banned books: A Wrinkle in Time, based on the book by Madeleine L’Engle; and Origin, which centers on the life of Isabel Wilkerson, the author of Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents.

Banned Books Week youth Honorary Chair Garnett was honored for her advocacy for the freedom to read by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden during a ceremony at the White House. Garnett is also a leader in the National Coalition Against Censorship's Student Advocates for Speech program, educating other students about advocacy.

DuVernay and Garnett will lead virtual programs during Banned Books Week. Details on their events will be shared on BannedBooksWeek.org as they are confirmed.

Banned Books Week 2024 follows multiple record-breaking years of censorship in libraries and schools. Attempts to censor books surged 65% in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching the highest level ever tracked by the ��ϲʿ��app’s Office for Intellectual Freedom. OIF documented 4,240 unique book titles targeted for censorship in 2023, largely due to organized campaigns that targeted multiple titles at a time. Titles representing the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals made up 47% of those targeted in censorship attempts. Initial data for censorship attempts in 2024 will be released September 23 during Banned Books Week.

Since it was founded in 1982, Banned Books Week has drawn attention to attempts to remove books and other materials from libraries, schools, and bookstores. The theme for Banned Books Week 2024 is “Freed Between the Lines,” an observance of the freedom we find in the pages of books and the need to defend that freedom from censorship.

A day of action will be observed September 28 — Let Freedom Read Day — which will focus on voting, from registering to vote and understanding what’s on the ballot to making sure communities are informed about their rights. Everyone is encouraged to do at least one thing on September 28 to fight censorship. For information about ways to participate and resources, visit bit.ly/LetFreedomReadDay.

Visit BannedBooksWeek.org for information about events, ways to participate, and promotional materials. Follow Banned Books Week on social media (@BannedBooksWeek on X and Facebook, @banned_books_week on Instagram) for the latest updates.

About Ava DuVernay

Academy Award nominee and winner of Emmy, BAFTA, Image, Humanitas, and Peabody Awards, Ava DuVernay’s directorial work includes the historical drama “Selma,” the criminal justice documentary “13th,” the four-part limited series “When They See Us” and Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time,” which made her the highest-grossing Black woman director in American box office history.

Most recently, DuVernay wrote, produced, and directed “Origin,” the first feature by an African-American woman filmmaker to compete in the Venice Film Festival in its 90-year history. She is the founder of the Peabody Award winning narrative change collective, ARRAY, and sits on the Board of Governors for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in her second term.

About Julia Garnett

Julia Garnett is a dedicated advocate for the freedom to read. She is passionate about ensuring that young people can grow up free from censorship and with access to books that embody the diversity of the world around them. In her school district, Julia helped to defend challenged books by speaking out at local school board meetings. She also successfully advocated for the opportunity to participate on her high school’s book review committee. Julia has worked with the National Coalition Against Censorship as a Student Advocates for Speech leader to educate her peers on the importance of speaking out against censorship. In October of 2023, Julia was honored for her work at the White House by the First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden. Julia has also worked with The Trevor Project to share her story as a queer advocate for diverse material as part of the organization's Pride in Action campaign. Julia will attend Smith College in the fall and plans to major in government.

About the Banned Books Week Coalition

The Banned Books Week Coalition is an international alliance of diverse organizations joined by a commitment to increase awareness of the annual celebration of the freedom to read. The Coalition seeks to engage various communities and inspire participation in Banned Books Week through education, advocacy, and the creation of programming about the problem of book censorship.

The coalition includes American Booksellers for Free Expression, ��ϲʿ��app, Amnesty International USA, Association of University Presses, Banned Books Week Sweden, Children’s Book Council, Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, Freedom to Read Foundation, Little Free Library, National Book Foundation, National Coalition Against Censorship, National Council of Teachers of English, PEN America, People for the American Way Foundation, PFLAG National. Contributors include American Society of Journalists and Authors, Authors Guild, Index on Censorship, GLAAD, and Project Censored. Banned Books Week receives generous support from Penguin Random House.

###

test-ala-admin Wed, 09/11/2024 - 17:18

Award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay

Julia Garnett, Banned Books Week youth Honorary Chair

Intellectual Freedom

Public Awareness

Contact:

Betsy Gomez

Assistant Director of Communications and Public Outreach

��ϲʿ��app

Office for Intellectual Freedom

bgomez@ala.org

��ϲʿ��app Council strongly reaffirms freedom for all to read freely

RAGARCIA — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 17:46:09 +0000

��ϲʿ��app Council strongly reaffirms freedom for all to read freely

SAN DIEGO – With more than 13,000 people attending the ��ϲʿ��app’s annual conference in San Diego, the association’s elected Council delivered a strong message opposing censors and those who are trying to remove hundreds of books at a time targeting LGBTQ+ and people of color from library shelves.

Several library workers attending the council meeting spoke in favor of the resolution, saying it would make a difference to those facing challenges throughout the country. The council passed the resolution unanimously.

“You would think that in the United States of America, we wouldn’t have to spell out how important it is for people to be able to read freely, but in this climate where library workers face thousands of book challenges every year and even threats to our safety, we want to speak loudly with one voice: Let people read what they want to read,” President Emily Drabinski said. “The founders of our country knew that a democracy could only thrive with an educated electorate. Nefarious forces want to tear down our First Amendment rights. Well, you’re going to have to go through us first.”

Specifically, the council:

-Strongly condemned efforts to remove materials from library shelves, and efforts to prevent minors from accessing developmentally relevant library materials;

-Strongly condemned threats to the physical safety of library workers;

-Decried the removal and undermining of professional standards by state and local governments and efforts to restrict membership in a legally established professional trade association.

"We want to thank the tireless work of library workers, supportive elected officials, advocates and library supporters for working to uphold the First Amendment,” Drabinski said. “People everywhere, we call on you to join us in this important battle. Petition your elected officials to protect, preserve and defend people’s right to read freely.”

Check out the resources on the Unite Against Book Bans website to learn more about how to help: https://uniteagainstbookbans.org.

About the ��ϲʿ��app
The ��ϲʿ��app () is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.

RAGARCIA Sun, 06/30/2024 - 12:46

Annual Conference

Intellectual Freedom

Contact:

Communications, Marketing & Media Relations Office

cmomedia@ala.org

Banned Books from the Big Chair returns for 2024 Annual Conference & Exhibition

JCARMICHAEL — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 15:07:05 +0000

Banned Books from the Big Chair returns for 2024 Annual Conference & Exhibition

Sage, the ��ϲʿ��app, the Banned Books Week Coalition, and Unite Against Book Bans are partnering to bring Banned Books from the Big Chair back to the 2024 Annual Conference and Exhibition!

To counter the unparalleled rise in censorship attempts in libraries and schools, Sage and its partners reimagined the banned books video read out with Banned Books from the Big Chair – an opportunity for Annual attendees to share their love for banned books by reading them from a very big chair!

Everyone is invited to the Banned Books from the Big Chair booth in Lobby E of the San Diego Convention Center (near the Connect booth and the main Exhibits entrance), to record videos of themselves reading from their favorite banned book, make a call to action, and be “Freed Between the Lines” together! Join us on Saturday and Sunday during exhibit hours (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) to participate in the video readout. You can bring your own copy of a banned book, but ’s Office for Intellectual Freedom has graciously lent titles from its own collection for use in the read out.

The Banned Books from the Big Chair videos will be shared on YouTube as a part of Banned Books Week 2024, which takes place September 22-28. The theme of Banned Books Week 2024 is Freed Between the Lines, a reminder that we find ourselves, each other, and freedom in reading. The right to read is a shared value that we can all celebrate, but book bans and other attempts to limit information in libraries and schools threaten our rights and freedoms. Find out more at ala.org/bbooks.

Banned Books from the Big Chair is sponsored by Sage in partnership with , the Banned Books Week Coalition, and Unite Against Book Bans.

About Sage
Sage is a global academic publisher of books, journals, and library resources with a growing range of technologies to enable discovery, access, and engagement. Believing that research and education are critical in shaping society, 24-year-old Sara Miller McCune founded Sage in 1965. Today, we are controlled by a group of trustees charged with maintaining our independence and mission indefinitely.

Our guaranteed independence means we’re free to:

Do more – supporting an equitable academic future, furthering disciplines that drive social change, and helping social and behavioral science make an impact
Work together – building lasting relationships, championing diverse perspectives, and co-creating resources to transform teaching and learning
Think long-term – experimenting, taking risks, and investing in new ideas

About Banned Books Week Coalition
The Banned Books Week Coalition is an international alliance of diverse organizations joined by a commitment to increase awareness about censorship attempts and to encourage the defense of the freedom to read. The Coalition seeks to engage various communities and inspire participation in Banned Books Week through education, advocacy, and the creation of programming about the problem of book censorship. BannedBooksWeek.org

About Unite Against Book Bans
Unite Against Book Bans is a national initiative launched by the in April 2022 to empower readers everywhere to stand together in the fight against censorship. With more than two hundred partner organizations and tens of thousands of individual supporters, the campaign connects, equips, and mobilizes the public to advocate in their communities for the right to read and to defeat attempts at every level of government to censor reading material. Learn more and join the campaign at uniteagainstbookbans.org/take-action/.

JCARMICHAEL Wed, 06/26/2024 - 10:07

Annual Conference

Intellectual Freedom

Contact:

Betsy Gomez

Assistant Director of Communications and Public Outreach

��ϲʿ��app

Office for Intellectual Freedom

bgomez@ala.org

A workbook for navigating intellectual freedom challenges

RCHRISTOPHER — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 19:38:25 +0000

A workbook for navigating intellectual freedom challenges

CHICAGO — Whether a book challenge is upon you, on the horizon, in your rearview mirror, or not yet in sight, now is the time to start envisioning what a challenge-ready team looks like in your organization. “Prepared Libraries, Empowered Teams: A Workbook for Navigating Intellectual Freedom Challenges Together,” published by Editions, will help library directors and managers at all types of libraries ensure that all members of their staff understand the essential role they have to play when challenges arise. Simultaneously, it will guide you towards managing the stress of the circumstances with lessened impact on team well-being and organizational reputation. Solo librarians will also find resources for coalition-building in the absence of library colleagues within their institution. This workbook from Becky Calzada, Val Edwards, and Maegan Coffin Heindel:

surveys the national intellectual freedom landscape, then guides you through a review of your current circumstances, structures, and team member strengths;
provides considerations for developing strong policies and procedures on which your action plan rests;
shares recommendations for gathering team input and building team capacity at every step of the way;
includes planning templates, strategies, checklists, and suggested scripts to assist in co-constructing a unified approach with your team;
identifies methods for developing deep knowledge of your organization’s selection policy in your team members;
uses a conflict mediation perspective to show how to de-escalate tense conversations involving patrons, members of the community, and team members;
outlines best practices for communication and capacity-building in the face of all manner of challenges, helping you stay clear and intentional in your interactions with stakeholders; and
includes numerous real-world examples of different book challenges, showing how this approach to team preparedness can be applied.

Calzada is the district library coordinator of the Leander (TX) Independent School District. She is also a cofounding member of Texas #FReadom Fighters and is the president-elect of the AASL for 2024–25. She was selected for ’s fourth Policy Corps cohort, works as a member of the Policy Corps’ cadre for Proactive Advocacy on Book Banning, and is a member of ’s Intellectual Freedom Committee. Becky was honored by People magazine in their 2023 Women Changing the World portfolio. Edwards is the library team leader in the Madison (WI) Metropolitan School District. Val has trained as a conflict mediator and published articles in both library/education and business publications. She has served on several /AASL/ Core committees, was the AASL division councilor, and a past chair of the Core Library Consulting Interest Group, and currently serves on the AASL’s Bylaws & Organization Committee. Heindel is the library services coordinator for the Madison (WI) Metropolitan School District. She is an alum of ’s Emerging Leader program and served as the AASL’s Learning4Life coordinator for Wisconsin. A frequent conference presenter, Maegan has held multiple positions in the Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association and the CCBC’s Friends Board. Maegan is currently a member of the CCBC’s Charlotte Zolotow Award Committee.

Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library and information professionals worldwide. Editions | Neal-Schuman publishes resources used by library and information professionals, scholars, students, and educators to improve programs and services, build on best practices, enhance pedagogy, share research, develop leadership, and promote advocacy. authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a variety of print and electronic formats. Contact Editions | Neal-Schuman at editionsmarketing@ala.org.

RCHRISTOPHER Wed, 06/05/2024 - 14:38

Advocacy

Intellectual Freedom

Merchandise

Professional Resources

Publications

Contact:

Rob Christopher

Marketing Coordinator

��ϲʿ��app

Publishing & Media

rchristopher@ala.org

312-280-5052

Acclaimed poet, essayist, and cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib to headline second annual Rally for the Right to Read

JCELINDRO — Fri, 31 May 2024 17:42:47 +0000

Acclaimed poet, essayist, and cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib to headline second annual Rally for the Right to Read

CHICAGO — The ��ϲʿ��app () and Unite Against Book Bans will host a second annual Rally for the Right to Read: Voters Unite Against Book Bans at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront on Friday, June 28, 2024.

Part of the 2024 Annual Conference & Exhibition, June 27 – July 2, the program will gather librarians and Unite Against Book Bans partners from across sectors and across the country, from publishers to authors, from educators to parents, from library workers to library patrons. Organizations across multiple fields and sectors are joining to stand up for the right to read. The rally will highlight anti-censorship activities from around the nation and celebrate the 2024 recipients of ’s signature intellectual freedom awards.

Nationally renowned writer, cultural critic and MacArthur Genius Grant recipient Hanif Abdurraqib will deliver the keynote address.

The event will honor the courage and resilience of America's librarians and their commitment to protect the freedom to read during a period of unprecedented attacks. The Rally for the Right to Read will recognize the 2024 recipients of the Freedom to Read Foundation's Roll of Honor Award, the Eli M. Oboler Award, the John Phillip Immroth Award and the Gerald Hodges Intellectual Freedom Chapter Relations Award.

“Library workers nationwide continue to provide access for their communities in the face of book bans and censorship,” said President Emily Drabinski. “The Annual Rally for the Right to Read brings together library workers and advocates to reflect, recharge and refocus our energy on protecting the freedom to read. and our anti-censorship partners across industries are incredibly appreciative of the talented Hanif Abdurraqib for joining us and using his voice to Unite Against Book Bans!”

Hanif Abdurraqib is an award-winning poet, essayist and cultural critic from Columbus, Ohio, and the recipient of a MacArthur Foundation Genius grant. His most recent book, There’s Always This Year, was an instant New York Times, USA Today and Indie Next bestseller. A Little Devil in America: Notes in Praise of Black Performance was a National Book Award Finalist and the winner of the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction. His other acclaimed works include They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us and Go Ahead in the Rain: Notes to A Tribe Called Quest.

The Rally for the Right to Read begins with a reception at 7:00 p.m. and the program at 8:00 p.m. All Annual Conference attendees are invited to attend; conference badges are required. Admission is free, and donations to the Unite Against Book Bans campaign are encouraged.

Bringing together thousands of librarians and library staff, authors, publishers, educators and exhibitors, the Annual Conference & Exhibition is the largest library event in the world.

JCELINDRO Fri, 05/31/2024 - 12:42

Advocacy

Intellectual Freedom

Awards (Professional Recognition)

Annual Conference

Contact:

Ian Ware

Communications Manager

��ϲʿ��app

Public Policy & Advocacy

iware@alawash.org

’s Office for Intellectual Freedom to benefit from new book of essays

JCARMICHAEL — Wed, 15 May 2024 22:12:22 +0000

’s Office for Intellectual Freedom to benefit from new book of essays

CHICAGO — A new book of essays, “Why Books Still Matter,” inspired by the late First Amendment champion Joyce Meskis, has been released this month, with proceeds going to the ��ϲʿ��app’s Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF).

Meskis, who owned the celebrated independent bookstore Tattered Cover in Denver, was a fierce opponent of book banning, and 16 luminaries in book-related fields and the U.S. Senate have contributed to the book, which is edited by Karl Weber and published by Rivertowns Books.

“The topics of the essays in ‘Why Books Still Matter’ are some of the most important in our country right now, from freedom of speech and censorship to representation so people can see themselves reflected in books and to build empathy,” said President Emily Drabinski. “We are deeply thankful that the proceeds of the book will be donated to ’s Office for Intellectual Freedom to champion libraries in this current landscape of increasing book challenges throughout the country.”

The saw a record 4,240 unique book titles targeted for censorship in 2023, a 65 percent increase from 2022, when 2,571 titles were challenged. OIF tracked 1,247 demands to censor library books, materials and resources in 2023. For additional information about book challenges and how to fight them, visit the Unite Against Book Bans website.

Here are a few of the contributing essayists to the book:

U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper of Colorado lauds the mission that Meskis embraced: “The more books we can put in people’s hands, the better the world will be.”
Nick Higgins and Amy Mikel of the Brooklyn Public Library discuss an award-winning program to make banned books available to young people in communities across the country.
Civil liberties attorney Steve Zansberg describes a new way to think about the right to free expression and its role in a democratic society.

About the ��ϲʿ��app

JCARMICHAEL Wed, 05/15/2024 - 17:12

Intellectual Freedom

Contact:

Jean Hodges

Director

��ϲʿ��app

Communications, Marketing & Media Relations Office

jhodges@ala.org

Literacy Nation Inc. and EMIERT announce the 2nd Annual Freedom to Read-a-Thon at Annual Conference

JCARMICHAEL — Wed, 15 May 2024 17:33:24 +0000

Literacy Nation Inc. and EMIERT announce the 2nd Annual Freedom to Read-a-Thon at Annual Conference

Philadelphia — Literacy Nation Inc., in partnership with the Ethnic & Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table (EMIERT), our Supporter and partners, is thrilled to announce the 2nd Annual Freedom to Read-a-Thon. This exciting event will take place during the Annual Conference on Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Pacific Time at the Marriott Marquis, Grand Ballroom Section 01.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, June 29, 2024
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Pacific Time
Location: Marriott Marquis, Grand Ballroom Section 01

The Freedom to Read-a-Thon celebrates the fundamental right to access diverse literature and promotes intellectual freedom. Participants are invited to read from any genre of their choice for 5 minutes. Whether it’s a classic novel, a banned book, or a contemporary work, this event encourages a love for reading and storytelling.

Featured Highlights:

Authors: The event will feature renowned authors who will contribute to the celebration of literature by sharing their own works.
Proceeds: A portion of the proceeds from the event will support the Merritt Fund, which provides financial assistance to librarians, as well as Literacy Nation and EMIERT.
Partnership: The Freedom to Read Foundation and The Coretta Scott King Round Table are also proud partners of the Freedom to Read-a-Thon.

Join us in championing literacy, diversity, and community building among librarians and literature enthusiasts. Your participation ensures that everyone has the opportunity to explore a wide range of literature and exercise their right to read freely.

Event Sponsors: Our major sponsor, Thorndike Press, will have authors on-site for book readings and signings.

Donations: We invite supporters and advocates for literacy and the Freedom to Read initiative to join us. Any amount donated towards the fundraiser will directly contribute to supporting the Freedom to Read Foundation.

For more information and to register for the Freedom to Read-a-Thon, visit our website at www.literacynation.org.

About Literacy Nation Inc.: Literacy Nation Inc. is committed to promoting literacy, justice, and access to diverse literature. Our mission is to empower individuals through reading and education.

About EMIERT: The Ethnic & Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table (EMIERT) is dedicated to promoting diversity and multiculturalism within libraries and information services.

About Thorndike Press: Thorndike Press is a leading publisher specializing in large print books. They make literature accessible to a wider audience, including those with visual impairments or reading challenges.

About Freedom to Read Foundation: The Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) defends and promotes the right to read freely. They advocate for intellectual freedom, fight against censorship, and support individuals and institutions facing challenges to their right to access diverse literature

About Coretta Scott King Round Table: The Coretta Scott King Round Table (CSKRT), a division of the ��ϲʿ��app (), focuses on promoting African American literature and cultural awareness.

“With Literacy and Justice for All”

JCARMICHAEL Wed, 05/15/2024 - 12:33

Annual Conference

Intellectual Freedom

Contact:

Richard E. Ashby Jr.

President

Literacy Nation Inc.

contact@literacynationinc.org

Webinar: Law and the Right to Read: What Your Trustees Need to Know

BNAWALINSKI — Tue, 14 May 2024 14:13:36 +0000

Webinar: Law and the Right to Read: What Your Trustees Need to Know

United for Libraries will host Law and the Right to Read: What Your Trustees Need to Know on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, 1:00-2:00 pm Central. Registration is free to the following United statewide partners: MA, MD, MI, MS, ND, NE, OR, SC, SD, and VA.

Trustees have a special role in upholding the right to read. Many elected and appointed trustees seek out their role because of their love of the library or their local school district, but they may not understand why it’s critical to uphold the First Amendment right to access information for their fellow community members or students.

Trustees will learn the basics of intellectual freedom related to their role, and how First Amendment rights are related to policies and access in our public- and public-school libraries. They will be given the tools needed to support staff and patrons’ rights, including their own, and tackle challenges that arise in their community.

Deborah Caldwell-Stone, Director of ’s Office for Intellectual Freedom and Executive Director of the Freedom to Read Foundation, and Theresa Chmara, an attorney in Washington, DC, and General Counsel of the Freedom to Read Foundation will provide Trustees with:

An understanding of publicly funded libraries responsibilities to protect the right to read and access the library under the First and Fourteenth Amendment.
An understanding of proposed laws, ordinances, and administrative rules intended to censor materials or restrict library workers’ ability to provide information to their community Strategies for effective advocacy to preserve the right to read, including networking with local and statewide groups.
Where to find resources through the ��ϲʿ��app, United for Libraries, and the Freedom to Read Foundation that help fight censorship.

Webinar Date

Wednesday, June 5, 2024, 1:00-2:00 pm Central
Can't attend the live event? No problem! All registrants will receive a link to the recorded session for later viewing at their convenience.

Speakers

Deborah Caldwell-Stone, Director of ’s Office for Intellectual Freedom and Executive Director of the Freedom to Read Foundation
Theresa Chmara, an attorney in Washington, DC, and General Counsel of the Freedom to Read Foundation

Registration Fees

FREE for United for Libraries statewide partners in MA, MD, MI, MS, ND, NE, OR, SC, SD, and VA.
FREE for Freedom to Read Foundation members.
United for Libraries Members: $51.35
Members: $79.10
Non-Members: $79.00

Group Registration

Register a group by purchasing one seat per person who will attend the live webinar and/or access the on-demand recording. United for Libraries personal member can purchase seats for themselves and colleagues or board members at the above United member rate. Additional discounts apply for the purchase of multiple seats:

3-6 seats: save an extra 30% off above rates
7-12 seats: save an extra 35% off above rates
13+ seats: save an extra 40% off above rates

United for Libraries Statewide Partner Registration

United for Libraries statewide partners in MA, MD, MI, MS, ND, NE, OR, SC, SD, and VA receive free registration.

Statewide Partner Registration

Freedom to Read Foundation Member Registration

You will receive a coupon code from the Freedom to Read Foundation. Redeem that code at checkout to receive free registration.

General Registration

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About United for Libraries

United for Libraries, a division of the ��ϲʿ��app, is a national network of enthusiastic library supporters who believe in the importance of libraries as the social and intellectual centers of communities and campuses. No one has a stronger voice for libraries than those who use them, raise money for them, and govern them. By uniting these voices, library supporters everywhere will become a real force to be reckoned with at the local, state, and national levels.

BNAWALINSKI Tue, 05/14/2024 - 09:13

May 14, 2024

Contact:

Beth Nawalinski

Executive Director

United for Libraries

bnawalinski@ala.org

312-280-2161

Intellectual Freedom

�������ϲʿ���app Hosts Historic Intellectual Freedom Summit at the Library of Congress

�������ϲʿ���app to Host Historic Intellectual Freedom Summit at the Library of Congress

Filmmaker Ava Duvernay To Lead Banned Books Week As Honorary Chair

�������ϲʿ���app Council strongly reaffirms freedom for all to read freely

Banned Books from the Big Chair returns for 2024 Annual Conference & Exhibition

A workbook for navigating intellectual freedom challenges

Acclaimed poet, essayist, and cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib to headline second annual Rally for the Right to Read

’s Office for Intellectual Freedom to benefit from new book of essays

Literacy Nation Inc. and EMIERT announce the 2nd Annual Freedom to Read-a-Thon at Annual Conference

Webinar: Law and the Right to Read: What Your Trustees Need to Know

United for Libraries will host Law and the Right to Read: What Your Trustees Need to Know on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, 1:00-2:00 pm Central. Registration is free to the following United statewide partners: MA, MD, MI, MS, ND, NE, OR, SC, SD, and VA.

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About United for Libraries

��ϲʿ��app Hosts Historic Intellectual Freedom Summit at the Library of Congress

��ϲʿ��app to Host Historic Intellectual Freedom Summit at the Library of Congress

��ϲʿ��app Council strongly reaffirms freedom for all to read freely