Intellectual Freedom News 7/10/2020
Through Community Connect, 20 rural public libraries will receive resources to support financial capability and internet access for their patrons for two years. Apply by August 26.
Teaching America’s Exceptionalism
The ongoing struggle to ensure racial justice in American society should prompt educators to take a closer look at the wording of history standards and the learning resources used by students. Then, collaborate with school librarians to provide students with a more accurate, complex look at history and current events.
Inspired by Protests: Reading March in 2020
The protests of 2020 and the tragic and painful hindsight of 20/20 make March a compelling, tragic, and inspiring read as we follow the renewed/continued/ever-more-urgent calls for racial justice in this country and around the world. Telling the story of John Lewis’s unparalleled life as a civil rights activist, March narrates Lewis’s and the U.S. history with the fierce urgency of today.
Intellectual Freedom News 7/3/2020
The American Library Association’s first-ever virtual conference attracted 7,349 attendees and 651 exhibitors. If you didn’t get a chance to experience the entire event, ALA Virtual content will remain readily accessible at any time for a full year. Attendees can view sessions again, view those missed during the live event, or use content for training or research purposes.
The Library is Closed: Reflections on Self-Censorship, Pride, Silence, and Solidarity
By guest contributor E. F. Schraeder. These are risks and possibilities when a librarian opts to honor PRIDE month or recognize LGBTQ authors and readers throughout the year in other ways. Each June almost like clockwork, it seems some library or other is on the receiving end of public noise: shame or praise, for hosting or cancelling an event with LGBTQ community members in mind.
Exploring Social Justice through Sci-Fi & Fantasy
I personally really enjoy (if “enjoy” can be considered the right word) the exploration of tough social justice issues through the lens of fantasy or science-fiction – often through the vehicle of anti-magic prejudice. I feel the fantasy context allows the reader to take a step back from the real world, while allowing the reader to think critically about equality and justice in a less personally challenging way.
Intellectual Freedom News 6/26/2020
“Each June, readers across the country observe Rainbow Book Month, an opportunity to celebrate the authors and writings that reflect the lives and experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s also a time to advocate for free and widespread access to queer literature, which is censored all too frequently in libraries and schools.” I Love Libraries
Pride Displays During Rainbow Book Month
June is Rainbow Book Month, presented by the ALA Rainbow Round Table. Their work is especially important in its 50th year, with censorship of Rainbow library books, programs, and displays on the rise. Since the OIF began tracking Display Challenges in December 2016, 40 of the 54 reported challenges are for LGBT content (74%). Many libraries have policies for book challenges but displays are not always specifically written in.
Your Bookshelf May Be Part of the Problem: A Rebuttal
I’m relieved that Juan Vidal is not a librarian. The condescending and short-sighted tone of his article “Your Bookshelf May Be Part of the Problem” is so anathema to librarianship and the joy of reading it made my face contort.
Twelve Terrific Challenged LGBTQIAP+ Titles for Kids and Teens
By: guest contributor Brian E. Wilson, ALSC Liaison for the ALA Committee on Professional Ethics. In honor of Pride Month and ALA’s Rainbow Book Month, here is a list of Twelve Terrific Books that have ended up on the Top Ten Most Challenged Books list during the past decade.