Fight Censorship
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Confidential challenge support from ¹Ü¼ÒÆŲÊͼ's Office for Intellectual Freedom for libraries and library workers undergoing censorship attempts, including one-on-one guidance, letters of support, and more.
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Library workers whose employment is threatened or are facing termination due to their defense of intellectual freedom can apply for financial support through the LeRoy C. Merritt Humanitarian Fund.
Library Safety
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The past year has seen threats directed to public and school libraries and library workers, including the forced temporary closure of public library systems due to bomb and shooting threats. With the safety of our members being our utmost priority, PLA and ¹Ü¼ÒÆŲÊͼ have compiled a range of resources and knowledge to help library workers and patrons stay safe and prepared.
To prepare for the possibility of a threat, we recommend that libraries review their procedures. This may include a review of emergency procedures and preparations, as well as plans for communicating with internal (e.g. staff) and external (e.g. media) audiences.
If your library faces a threat to safety, we recommend first notifying local law enforcement and library security, if applicable. After any immediate steps are taken, we suggest you and notify ¹Ü¼ÒÆŲÊͼ at notify@ala.org.
Be Prepared
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Resources from ¹Ü¼ÒÆŲÊͼ, its various offices and divisions, and outside organizations and publications to help library workers prepare for and respond to challenges to library books, materials, and services.
Defending Intellectual Freedom: LGBTQ+ Materials in School Libraries (PDF)
How to respond to challenges and concerns about library resources
Selection & Reconsideration Policy Toolkit
Preparing For and Addressing Challenges to Comics in the Library
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Free Webinars
- Censorship and Mental Health: Dealing with the Emotional Fallout of Book Challenges
(December 2021 - Member Access)
(June 2020)
(April 2020)
State and Local Resources
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State-based resources from school library partners:
- California School Library Association:
- Illinois - Association of Illinois School Library Educators:
- Missouri Association of School Librarians:
- New Jersey Association of School Librarians:
- Pennsylvania School Librarians Association:
- South Carolina Association of School Librarians:
- Virginia Association of School Librarians:
ALA works with state associations to support state legislative efforts and to address adverse legislation. Visit ¹Ü¼ÒÆŲÊͼ's state legislative toolkit and sign up for and your state's library association(s).
Getting the Word Out
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(Miami Herald, November 24, 2021)
(Observer-Reporter, January 1, 2022)
(Times-Republican, December 16, 2021)
(ACRL Insider, December 3, 2021)
(Star-Tribune, December 20, 2021)
Get Involved
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Don't let censorship go unchecked in your community. Defend the public's freedoms and report challenges and bans of books and other materials or services to ¹Ü¼ÒÆŲÊͼ's Office for Intellectual Freedom.
Support Library Workers
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Here are some things that you can do now to support library workers and protect the freedom to read:
1) Follow news and social media in your community and state to keep apprised of organizations working to censor library or school materials, programs, or curriculum.
2) Show up for librarians and educators at school or library board meetings and speak as a library advocate and community stakeholder who supports a parent's right to restrict reading materials for their own child but not for ALL readers.
3) Oppose legislation in your state that would censor materials, programs, or curriculum. Engage respectfully with your elected officials via phone, email, and social media.
4) Educate friends, neighbors, and family members about censorship and how it harms communities. Share information from Banned Books Week.
5) Write an op-Ed or letter to the editor for your local newspaper or community newsletter. Find tips for writing your letter in the .
6) Join the , an organization that protects and defends the First Amendment to the Constitution and supports the right of libraries to collect — and individuals to access — information.
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The LeRoy C. Merritt Humanitarian Fund supports library workers whose employment is threatened due to their defense of intellectual freedom. Learn more about the fund. Donate if you can, or submit a request for assistance if you need it.
Contact
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Office for Intellectual Freedom
oif@ala.org
Members of the press, visit the press kit or contact:
Communications and Marketing Office
cmomedia@ala.org
