Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF)

American Library Association Releases Preliminary Data on 2023 Book Challenges

New data shows record surge of challenges in public libraries

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) has released new preliminary data documenting the continued rise in attempts to censor books and materials in public, school and academic libraries during the first eight months in 2023.

LeVar Burton to lead 2023 Banned Books Week as honorary chair

NEW YORK CITY — Beloved reading advocate, writer, and television and film star LeVar Burton will lead this year’s Banned Books Week, which takes place October 1–7, 2023. Burton is the first actor to serve as honorary chair of Banned Books Week, an annual weeklong event that highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together the entire book community in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas.

American Library Association, Association of American Publishers Reaffirm 1953 Freedom to Read Statement, Joined by the Authors Guild and American Booksellers Association

As censorship threats continue to target libraries, schools, publishers, authors, and booksellers, the American Library Association (ALA) and the Association of American Publishers (AAP) are calling on all members of the book community to affirm their commitment to the Freedom to Read Statement on its 70th anniversary. They are joined by the Authors Guild and American Booksellers Association as well as numerous other signatories.  

American Library Association Welcomes White House Actions to Address Book Bans

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Library Association (ALA) applauds the Biden-Harris Administration’s steps announced today to address the rise in book bans and other attacks on LGBTQIA+ Americans.

Intellectual Freedom Round Table announces 2023 John Phillip Immroth Memorial Award

CHICAGO – The ALA Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) is pleased to announce Amanda Jones, as the recipient of the 2023 John Phillip Immroth Memorial Award for notable contributions to intellectual freedom and demonstrations of personal courage in defense of freedom of expression.

ALA Announces Theme for Banned Books Week, October 1-7, 2023

Grant application window open through May 19, 2023

CHICAGO – The American Library Association has announced the theme for Banned Books Week 2023: “Let Freedom Read!” Banned Books Week will take place October 1 – 7, 2023.

ALA, AASL praise library legislation to expand access for students nationwide

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the American Library Association (ALA) and its division, the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), welcomed the bicameral introduction of the Right to Read Act by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and Representative Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ-03).