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Why was THAT challenged?
Early in my professional career, I encountered one of our Library books which had been mutilated. The book was the Caldecott Award winner In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak. Mickey had fallen out...
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Banned Books Week Wrap-Up
The ALSC Intellectual Freedom Committee put out a call for creative, innovative and successful Banned Books Week programs and displays and we were overwhelmed with a number of fantastic ideas to share...
View ArticleIntellectual Freedom and Advocacy: Let’s Shout About It
It’s no secret that intellectual freedom is a foundational principle of the work we do as librarians. But sometimes, it feels like it is a secret. Sometimes it feels like something we’re frightened of,...
View ArticleWhy We Should Sweat the Small Stuff
Lately I’ve had cause to consider the overabundance of labels appearing on the spines of library books. It began when I came across a small picture book that had no less than three different genre...
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Sweater Vest Sunday: It’s Time to Show Your Support for Intellectual Freedom
The Office for Intellectual Freedom is sponsoring “Sweater Vest Sunday” on Sunday, January 27, 2013, to promote the freedom to read and the importance of reporting challenges to library materials....
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Anti-Gay Books and Your Library
We can all agree (we hope) that children should find books in their local library collection that represent their world views. We can all agree that world views are extremely varied and while you’re...
View Article_________ Books and Your Library
Last month, the ALSC Intellectual Freedom committee published a post titled Anti-Gay Books and Your Library. Thanks to everyone for the thoughtful comments and the time spent thinking and talking about...
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A Tale Of Two Libraries
Although we all work in libraries with children, we can differ widely on a number of issues. One of these issues is how to shelve our books. There are many different philosophies about the best ways...
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Going Commercial Free
After a great deal of thought, the Georgetown Branch of the Allen County Public Library made the decision to stop using copyright/branded puppets and stuffed animals in their play area or during...
View ArticleAn Interview with Nancy Garden
Nancy Garden, winner of the 2003 Margaret A. Edwards Award, is best known for her candid fiction on gay and lesbian issues, including the ground-breaking Annie on My Mind. She defended Annie on My Mind...
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An Interview with Susan Linn
Susan Linn, Ed.D., is Director of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood and Instructor in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. The ALSC Intellectual Freedom Committee recently asked her a few...
View ArticleThe Power of the Pickle Buck
Thank you to ALSC Intellectual Freedom committee, particularly Chair Heather Acerro, for arranging for Susan Linn to speak at ALA Annual in June. Susan’s presentation was welcome inspiration in the...
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Fifty Shades of Censorship
Recently, a librarian posted a listserv question asking what to do about children and teens checking out Fifty Shades of Grey and other erotic works. Her library’s solution was to put Fifty Shades in...
View ArticleCensorship Education
The concept of Banned Books has always been a funny one to me. I grew up and thrived in a household where I was encouraged to dress how I wanted, be who I wanted, think how I wanted, and read what I...
View ArticleDude, Report Challenges
Dude, report challenges. It is important. According to the Office of Intellectual Freedom’s estimations, only 20 to 25 percent of challenges are reported. Please take the time to report challenges. It...
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A Gracious and Respectful Letter of Response
Last month’s blog post by the ALSC Intellectual Freedom committee included a sample book challenge response letter which reminded a colleague of the absolutely hilarious keynote address presented by...
View ArticleKeeping IF Fresh
Every year around this time all the children’s services staff in our District gather together for one full day of staff development. It’s always a fun day; a chance to see everybody and catch up on...
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Gene Ambaum on Intellectual Freedom
©2014 Overdue Media, LLC, used with permission This month’s Intellectual Freedom post is brought to you by Gene Ambaum, half of the talented team that cracks you up regularly with the Unshelved® comic...
View ArticleALSC Intellectual Freedom Committee Update & Resources
In January, the ALSC Intellectual Freedom met at Midwinter. While we talked about many things, the overarching theme was what does Intellectual Freedom mean now? IF is more than just banned books...
View ArticleFocus on the Positive: Book Challenges
Yesterday afternoon I was sitting in the airport with library colleagues and we started talking about all of the positives that can come out of a materials challenge. Challenges can be stressful, but...
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