IRFT Member Spotlight – Lydia King
Lydia King is a school librarian at Centreville Middle School in Centreville, Alabama. She also works part time as a reference assistant at North Shelby Library. She received her MLIS from the University of Alabama in 2022 and is completing her Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership with a concentration in School Library Media Specialist. She is currently a member of the Publications and Communications Committee for the Intellectual Freedom Round Table. In her free time, she enjoys crochet and spending time with family.
1. What made you want to be part of the IFRT?
I originally learned about the IFRT in a graduate school class when I was working on my MLIS. I have stayed involved because of how willing everyone is to help me feel involved. I had absolutely no experience in any kind of organization before joining so this has been a big learning experience for me.
2. What is your favorite part about being in IFRT?
I have really enjoyed making connections. I am only in my second year as a librarian. Being able to interact with other people in the profession with similar interests has been the best thing for me.
3. How do you keep up-to-date with IFRT happenings and concerns?
I am still currently in graduate school, so I am required to read up on current events and happenings in the profession. It definitely helps that I am part of the Publication and Communication Committee. I read the Intellectual Freedom Blog, social media accounts, and check emails that come through ALA Connect for any new information.
4. If you could meet the author of your favorite banned book, who would you meet and why?I am a huge fan of Raina Telgemeier (the author of Drama). I used her book Smile for my 5th– and 6th-grade book club, and it was a huge hit. I bought some of her books for my middle school library and they are constantly checked-out. From there, I read her other books and just loved them. Drama was no exception, especially as I am a former musician. It would be fascinating to sit down with her and discuss her books and life.
Composed by the Intellectual Freedom Round Table Publications and Communications Committee. Follow us on Twitter @IFRT_ALA.
The Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) provides a forum for the discussion of activities, programs and problems in intellectual freedom of libraries and librarians; serves as a channel of communications on intellectual freedom matters; promotes a greater opportunity for involvement among the members of the ALA in defense of intellectual freedom; promotes a greater feeling of responsibility in the implementation of ALA policies on intellectual freedom.