Book Challenges on the Rise

Program Type:

Community/Nonprofit

Age Group:

Teens, Adults
Please note you are looking at an event that has already happened.

Program Description

Event Details

Support Your Freedom to Read

In collaboration with local libraries.

Register here

The 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. Book bans infringe on that right. The American Library Association (ALA) reports more book challenges in 2022 than any previous year. 

This Banned Books Week webinar will share how to effectively support intellectual freedom. We will examine the current state of book challenges, Illinois’ legislative response, and the implications of censorship on communities. 

Chicago Tribune columnist Heidi Stephens will moderate a 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

When you register, please indicate Barrington Area Library as your home library; you will have an opportunity to submit a question for the panel.

Register here

Disclaimer(s)

Virtual Programs

Registered participants will receive an email with a link to join the virtual program. Programs can be accessed from a computer, tablet, or mobile phone. First-time participants may need to download and run the free software upon joining a program. For this reason, we recommend joining a few minutes early.