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New wave of bills targeting libraries is ‘a threat to our democracy,’ American Library Association warns

The association, founded in 1876, condemned legislation that would threaten librarians and other educators with criminal prosecution for possessing “obscene” material.
 

 

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Banned Books Week to unite communities

CHICAGO – At a time when LGBTQIA+ books and books that focus on racism and racial justice are challenged for removal from library and school bookshelves, this year's Banned Books Week, Sept. 26 – Oct. 2, is a reminder of the unifying power of stories and...

ALA adopts new Code of Ethics principle on racial and social justice

CHICAGO – During the American Library Association (ALA) Annual and Exhibition virtual conference, the ALA Council unanimously adopted a new ninth principle on racial and social justice to the association's Code of Ethics. This new professional guideline...

Intellectual Freedom Awards Celebration

IFRT, FTRF and UIUC iSchool Honor Intellectual Freedom Award Winners at Virtual Celebration featuring Banned Author Kyle Lukoff

The ALA Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT), the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF), and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) iSchool invite library professionals and the public to a free virtual celebration for their intellectual freedom...

book cover for "Books under Fire: A Hit List of Banned and Challenged Children's Books, Second Edition"

OIF’s updated hit list of banned and challenged children's books

CHICAGO — In our polarized environment, the censorship and outright banning of children’s books which some deem to be controversial or objectionable remains a major concern for libraries. Intellectual freedom champion Pat R. Scales returns to the fray...

Banned Books Week Welcomes Honorary Chair Jason Reynolds New York Times bestselling authors of Stamped (with Ibram X. Kendi) and All American Boys (with Brendan Kiely). September 26 - October 2, 2021. bannedbooksweek.org. @BannedBooksWeek @banned_books_week #BannedBooksWeek

Jason Reynolds Named Inaugural Honorary Chair of Banned Books Week

The American Library Association (ALA) and the Banned Books Week Coalition are excited to announce that banned author Jason Reynolds has been named the inaugural Honorary Chair for Banned Books Week 2021. The New York Times bestselling author will...

cover image for ALA Graphics Spring/Summer 2021 catalog

Spring brings fresh posters and bookmarks in ALA Graphics catalog

CHICAGO – The spring/summer ALA Graphics catalog delivers a host of fresh posters and bookmarks encouraging readers of all ages. Gracing the cover is a vibrant poster featuring Varian Johnson’s Twins, illustrated by Shannon Wright. Inspired by the graphic...

IFRT Free Memberships for Students

The Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) is offering free memberships for students. Beginning March 15, 2021, students can fill out this form to receive a free membership to IFRT. Up to 200 current ALA student members and up to 25 students who are not...

Freedom to Read Foundation to Offer an ALA Conference Scholarship through the Gordon M. Conable Fund

CHICAGO — Are you interested in Intellectual Freedom? Would you like to attend the American Library Association’s (ALA) Annual Conference in June and learn how the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) and other groups in ALA are working to protect access to...

First Ever IFRT All Member Gathering

First Annual IFRT Meeting

The Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) invites all current members to attend its First All Member Gathering of IFRT on Friday, April 30, 2021, from 3-4pm (Central Time). This virtual gathering will feature an overview of IFRT's current and vital work...

[Call for Nominations] 2021 Freedom to Read Foundation Roll of Honor

The Freedom to Read Foundation seeks nominations for the 2021 Freedom to Read Foundation Roll of Honor. This award was established in 1987 to recognize and honor individuals who have contributed substantially to the FTRF through adherence to its...

book cover for Intellectual Freedom Manual, Tenth Edition

OIF’s updated Intellectual Freedom Manual

CHICAGO — The new tenth edition of “ Intellectual Freedom Manual,“ published by ALA Editions in collaboration with ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom (OIF), is more than simply an update of a foundational text that has served as a crucial resource for...

Text reads "Report Censorship. Defend the Public's Freedoms." The background is a keyboard with a red button that reads "Report."

OIF Seeks Information on 2020 Censorship Incidents

During the COVID-19 pandemic, libraries and schools continue to face censorship attempts. The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom is seeking information on any ban or request to remove library or school materials, displays, and programs that happened in...

Surveillance in Academic Libraries?! A Search for Better Ideas

Join Privacy Experts in Town Hall on Surveillance in Academic Libraries

Discussion of the possibility of surveillance in university libraries has caused concern and sparked conversations among library workers and other privacy and intellectual freedom advocates. Join privacy experts in a discussion about working with...

ALA Statement on Executive Order on Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping

CHICAGO - On September 22, the White House issued its Executive Order On Combating Race And Sex Stereotyping, prohibiting federal employees, contractors, and grant recipients from discussing or considering concepts such as critical race theory and white...

Nominations open for 2021 IFRT John Phillip Immroth Memorial Award

The Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) is accepting nominations for the 2021 John Phillip Immroth Memorial Award. This award, presented annually, honors notable contributions to intellectual freedom and demonstrations of personal courage in defense...