Happy Birthday, Alison Bechdel!
Bechdel is most known for penning the graphic memoir Fun Home, which was later adapted into a Tony-winning Broadway Musical, and her comic strip Dykes to Watch Out For, which ran for 25 year in print and was later published online. Bechdel’s debut graphic novel, Fun Home, was published in 2006 and is about her relationship with her closeted father and her own journey with her sexuality. This year Bechdel reenters the graphic novel scene after nearly a decade away with The Secret to Superhuman Strength.
Why Have Libraries Gone Fine-free The Past Few Years?
While having a library card typically means borrowing materials free of cost, many of us were made aware young that we would have to pay a fine if we missed the due date. Many libraries across the United States have implemented a fine-free borrowing structure, which encourages more people to utilize the library’s resources.
When Education Standards Stereotype, Marginalize, and Eliminate Indigenous Peoples
South Dakota’s Department of Education eliminates numerous proposed revisions to its Social Studies standards related to the Oceti Sakowin in favor of a more “honest, patriotic” curriculum.
Intellectual Freedom News 9/3/2021
“As we promote the value of a library card this month (and throughout the year), we do so with the conviction that access to libraries opens worlds of opportunities.” A Seat for All from ALA President Patty Wong
Book Review: You Can’t Say That!
Leonard S. Marcus’ new collection for teens, You Can’t Say That!, shows firsthand how many popular authors and creators have been affected by book bans and challenges.
Supreme Court Struggles With Campus Speech Question in Recent Decision
The Supreme Court has decided that schools have an interest in keeping an eye on what students post on social media sites in order to avoid “substantial disruption” on campus. But just where does campus end and how disrupting must speech be for schools to act and stay on the right side of the First Amendment?
Intellectual Freedom News 8/27/2021
“Rhonda Evans rose from ALA Emerging Leader to Chair of the Intellectual Freedom Round Table in just one year – and shows no signs of slowing down. She brings expertise, energy, and encouragement to her new IFRT leadership role, and invites all library workers to get involved in intellectual freedom issues.” Intellectual Freedom Blog
Get Active: New IFRT Chair Rhonda Evans Shares Her Plans, Priorities, and Passion
Rhonda Evans rose from ALA Emerging Leader to Chair of the Intellectual Freedom Round Table in just one year – and shows no signs of slowing down. She brings expertise, energy, and encouragement to her new IFRT leadership role, and invites all library workers to get involved in intellectual freedom issues. Keep reading to learn about Evans’s journey, perspectives on intellectual freedom, and priorities as IFRT Chair for 2021-22.
Happy Birthday, John Green!
I first encountered Green’s books after I took a course on children’s literature in graduate school in 2012. One of the final sections of the class featured banned and challenged books, and I selected Looking for Alaska, not knowing anything about Green or his books. I really enjoyed the novel, and though I hadn’t attended a boarding school like Miles and Alaska, felt a sense of understanding at Miles’ awkward and anxious high school experiences. I recall reading it and thinking, Okay, so what’s wrong with it?!
Intellectual Freedom News 8/20/2021
The American Library Association is committed to upholding our core values, which include equitable access to knowledge, social justice, and intellectual freedom. As members of a profession committed to free and equitable access to information and the pursuit of truth, we stand firm in opposing any effort to suppress knowledge, to label “controversial” views, or dictate what is orthodox in history, politics, or belief.