Librarian Conference in Chicago Focuses on Empowering Librarians to Combat Book Bans

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The upcoming annual meeting of the American Library Association in Chicago will place a significant emphasis on addressing book bans and equipping librarians with the tools to effectively fight against them.

Librarians attending the conference will have the opportunity to participate in sessions specifically designed to help them confidently respond to book challenges, combat legislative censorship, and safeguard the principles of “access to information and the freedom to read.” On Saturday, a unique event will allow attendees to symbolically defy book bans by reading their favorite prohibited books from atop a giant chair.

The event description passionately asserts, “Given the alarming increase in challenges, bans, and restrictive legislation that hinder access to books and educational materials in libraries, schools, and universities, it is now more critical than ever to unite in the battle against book banning!”

The conference serves as a gathering point for authors, educators, and librarians, particularly in light of recent efforts in various states to restrict access to books in educational institutions and libraries, primarily those addressing topics related to race, ethnicity, and LGBTQ+ issues. The association released data in March indicating a record-breaking 1,269 demands to censor library books in the United States in 2022, marking a two-decade high.

Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom and executive director of the Freedom to Read Foundation, emphasized the conference’s dedication to addressing book censorship and protecting intellectual freedom. She stated, “This year’s meeting places a strong emphasis on safeguarding librarians’ ability to provide information in their communities, defending intellectual freedom, and countering attacks on public education and public libraries. Through nearly two dozen programs focused on intellectual freedom and advocacy, our goal is to equip our members with the knowledge necessary to advocate for and defend the right to read in their libraries.”

While parents have the right to choose their children’s reading materials, it is crucial to recognize that they do not possess the authority to restrict access to books for the entire community, as affirmed by Christine Emeran, director of the Youth Free Expression Program of the National Coalition Against Censorship—an organization devoted to upholding First Amendment rights. Emeran, who is scheduled to participate in a panel discussion titled “Help! They’re coming for our books!” during the conference, observed an increase in book bans since 2021, coinciding with the start of President Joe Biden’s term. She attributed this surge to “a cultural backlash” against evolving perspectives on LGBTQ+ issues, women’s rights, and the Black Lives Matter movement.

In response to the escalating number of book ban cases, local libraries are increasingly seeking assistance from the National Coalition Against Censorship. Previously, the organization handled only a few instances of book bans annually, but now they are facing two or three per week, according to Emeran.

Emeran urged individuals to support local libraries, attend school board meetings, and actively engage in their communities to protect the right to read. She acknowledged the influence of groups such as Moms for Liberty, No Left Turn in Education, and Citizens Defending Freedom in shaping the books allowed in educational settings. However, she also highlighted the silent majority who oppose censorship as a whole but fail to voice their opinions effectively.

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More about book bans

• American Library Association
• Office for Intellectual Freedom
• Freedom to Read Foundation
• National Coalition Against Censorship
• Moms for Liberty
• No Left Turn in Education
• Citizens Defending Freedom