Between January and August 2023, The American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom reported 695 attempts to censor library materials and services and documented challenges to 1,915 unique titles. The majority of challenges targeted books by or about LGBTQIA+ persons and Black, Indigenous, and people of color. Library staff in every state are facing intimidation and abuse, and library and school boards are being usurped by individuals with agendas that serve their personal ideologies.
Wilmette Public Library protects your freedom to read by entrusting our collections and programs to qualified librarians, all of whom have master’s degrees in library and information sciences. In addition to their academic foundation, Wilmette librarians are constantly learning through professional development and topical coursework. Wilmette Public Library also has a comprehensive collection development policy, which provides a framework for inclusive resources and programs.
Wilmette Public Library is committed to protecting your intellectual freedom. We invite you to join us. Here’s 5 easy ways you can support your freedom to read.
- Stay Informed: For a comprehensive and updated overview of the topic, visit Unite Against Book Bans. And don’t forget to follow your local reporting!
- Join: Attend a school or library board meeting. They’re open to the public and a great way to stay in the know about decisions, policies and challenges that affect you and your family.
- Connect: Talk to your public and school librarians about censorship trends and how your library is affected.
- Support: Write an op-ed for your local paper about why you support intellectual freedom. You can also write a letter of support to your local school or public library. Hearing we make a difference energizes us to do our best.
- Donate: The Freedom to Read Foundation protects and defends the First Amendment to the Constitution and supports the right of libraries to collect - and individuals to access - information.