Freedom of Information Day
On James Madison's birthday, March 16th, Freedom of Information Day promotes the public’s right to know and access to information.
Description & History
Freedom of Information Day is observed each year on March 16 to celebrate the public’s right to know and the importance of open, transparent government. The date marks the birthday of James Madison, whose writings advocated for democracy based on an informed public.
In the 1980s, journalists, librarians, and advocates established Freedom of Information day to highlight access-to-information laws such as the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and to encourage the public to seek out public records, ask questions, and engage with civic information. Freedom of Information Day serves as a celebration and reminder that access to information isn’t automatic but requires ongoing awareness, advocacy, and participation to remain strong.
Sponsor
Professional Learning Resources
All about the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act)
These videos from The Justice Department explain the details of the Freedom of Information Act and how use it.
The Office of Government Information Services (OGIS)
The Office of Government Information Services provides support to the public and agencies by addressing questions and concerns about the FOIA process as well as supporting resolutions of disputes that may occur during a FOIA process.
What is the Freedom of Information Act?
The Office of Government Information Services at the National Archives developed this infographic to explain basic facts about the public’s rights under FOIA and what to expect during the FOIA process.
Learner Engagement Resources
Gordon Parks: How the Photographer Captured Black and White America
Use this picture book by Carole Boston Weatherford to discuss how a free press supports freedom of information. While this lesson is for elementary, the text is excellent for launching conversations at any grade level.
iCivics - Civic Education Games and Lessons
A leading nonpartisan nonprofit offers K-12 lessons, games, and activities to help students understand government, rights, and civic participation. Plus, check out our essential resources for evaluating information and media literacy!
The Impact of Bloody Sunday in Selma
This lesson plan from Docs Teach uses resources that were not available until the FOIA passed in 1966 giving the public the right to some government information. In the plan, learners can examine the FBI documents from Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama.
“Kids, Know Your Rights!” (ALA)
A kid-friendly pamphlet that explains the First Amendment and intellectual freedom in terms young people can understand.
Sunshine Week Student Resources
Sunshine Week celebrates open government and the importance of public records. Their student pages link to activities, guides for making public records requests, and information on transparency laws like FOIA and sunshine/open-records statues.
Book Lists and Recommendations
30 MG and YA Books About Political and Civic Engagement
This list highlights fiction and nonfiction for middle grade and teen readers that feature themes such as activism, voting, discrimination, social justice, and engagement in community.
ALA Inspiring Future Voters Booklist
The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) in collaboration with Booklist offers a booklist designed to inspire civic participation and explain elections, government, and voting at multiple age levels, from picture books to YA titles.
Book Recommendations For Kids & Teens About Protecting the Freedom to Read
Published in 2024, this book list from NYPL staff focuses on censorship and the importance of reading freely.There are picture books for younger readers and novels for teens interested in intellectual freedom,right to access books,and resisting censorship
Children’s Books to Spark Conversations about Democracy and Voting
A thematic list highlighting books for young readers (ages 4-8) that explain democratic values like equality, fairness, and the role of voting in simple, engaging ways.
Get Involved!: 25 Titles for All Ages About Civic Engagement
Boston Public Library presents civic-minded books for kids, teens, and adults that explore how governments work and how citizens participate.
Graphic Novels Bring Principles of Government and Politics to Life
A booklist highlighting graphic novels aimed at elementary through high school readers that bring government, citizenship, and political participation to life visually and accessibly.
Kid Governor Library
This curated civics collection has sections about government structure, elections and voting, leadership, and civic engagement.
Start With a Book: Civics and Our Government
This booklist emphasizes the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, including voting, serving on juries, community involvement, and how government functions. It’s designed for elementary audiences but can be a springboard for wider civic discussions.
