Intellectual Freedom Resources for Trustees, Friends, & Foundations

Banned Books 101: What Library Boards & Trustees Need to Know

A free “lunch and learn” held during Banned Books Week 2024 presented by United for Libraries and the Freedom to Read Foundation.

Description
Whether or not their community has experienced book bans, library Trustees/Board Members have a responsibility to protect access to books, programs, and resources in their libraries. Learn what board members need to know about the current state of book bans in the U.S., and how to advocate for the freedom to read and activate local support networks. Find out about United for Libraries and ALA resources, including Unite Against Book Bans, Advocacy Academy, and “Reader. Voter. Ready.”

Presenters
- Joyce McIntosh, Assistant Program Director, Freedom to Read Foundation
- Amelia Aldred, Deputy Director, State & Local Advocacy, ALA’s Public Policy & Advocacy Office

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Fighting Censorship: Creating Connections to Protect Intellectual Freedom

Free to United for Libraries Personal Members and United for Libraries Statewide Partners.

United for Libraries presented this three-part series for library Trustees, advocates, Friends, Foundations, and those who work with them as they help support the fight against censorship. Part one, “Be Fierce: How to Harness Your Power for Your Libraries,” featured tips on overcoming obstacles to harness your power, expertise, knowledge, and passion to successfully advocate for your library, and develop strategic relationships to counter censorship attempts. Part two, “Get Ready, Stay Ready: Supporting Proactive Community Advocacy for Library Professionals,” focused on maintaining inclusive libraries in partnership with community organizations. Part three, an interactive workshop was held on March 28, 2024.

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FREE & Open Resources

On Demand Webinars

• Challenges & Crises: Preparing Your Board of Trustees
• Keeping Governance on Track, Parts 1 and 2

Resource Guides

• Challenges to Materials and Programs: The Role of the Friends of the Library (4/12/22)
• Challenges to Materials and Programs: The Role of Library Trustees & Board Members (3/31/22)
• Terms and Definitions Related to Intellectual Freedom & Censorship (2/15/22)
• Materials Challenges - Key Library Policies to Review and Revise (2/15/22)

Tip Sheets

• The Role of Library Trustees
• Public Library Trustee Ethics Statement
• Terms and Definitions Related to Intellectual Freedom & Censorship (2/15/22)
• Materials Challenges - Key Library Policies to Review and Revise (2/15/22)

Sample Policies

• Sample Ethics Statement
• Sample Conflict of Interest Statement

Other

• State Resources for Trustees
   

Additional Resources FREE to United for Libraries Members & Statewide All-Access Training Partners

United Members

Statewide All Access Partners - MA, MD, MI, MN, ND, NE, OR, SC, VA

Tip Sheets

• Twelve Golden Rules for Board Members
• Protecting Your Library's Collection
• Governing (Independent) Library Boards vs. Advisory Library Boards: Which are Better?

On Demand Training & Webinars

• Short Takes for Trustees
• Intellectual Freedom Advocacy in a Brave New World
• Stronger Together: Power Partnerships for Library Leadership
• Public Charities Can Advocate and Lobby - How Your 501(c)(3) Friends of the Library Group or Library Foundation Can Influence Policy for the Greater Good (Non-Member)
• First Amendment Rights Unite Friends and Stakeholders for Everyday Practice
• Library Policy Retreat for Boards: Intellectual Freedom and Artificial Intelligence
• Striking a Balance - Developing Systems for Successful and Sustainable Library Governance
• Media and Crisis Communications for Trustees & Friends
• Fighting Censorship: Creating Connections to Protect Intellectual Freedom
• Hammer, Vise, Lever: Better Tools, Stronger Advocacy
• and more!