Freedom to Read is a fundamental American right: your right to choose the ideas, information, and cultural experiences that are right for you and your family. That right is guaranteed by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and your public library supports that right by providing free and open access to all.

Book bans infringe on that right. When people demand that libraries remove books, they deny you and others the right to choose. Those demands are happening at an unprecedented rate. The American Library Association (ALA) reports more book challenges in 2022 than any previous year. 

Join us for this live Banned Books Week event to learn how to effectively support intellectual freedom, and to examine the current state of book challenges and implications of censorship on communities. Chicago Tribune columnist Heidi Stevens will moderate a conversation with this panel of experts:  

• Alexi Giannoulias, Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian
• Monica Harris, Executive Director, Reaching Across Illinois Library System
• Jasmine Warga, author of challenged books; The Shape of Thunder and Other Words for Home
• Jarrett Dapier, author of Jazz for Lunch and freedom to read advocate
   

REGISTER HERE

This presentation is co-hosted by multiple Chicago-area libraries.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation, please call 847.392.0100, text 847.665.1491 or email us at accessibility@ahml.info   

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