Glenview Public Library to Host "A Conversation on Censorship"

On Tuesday, September 20, GPL will host "A Conversation on Censoship," an event to honor the American Library Association's Banned Books Week. Each year in September, the American Library Association (ALA) sponsors Banned Books Week (September 18-24, 2022) to spotlight current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools.

In honor of this important initiative, the Glenview Public Library is hosting "A Conversation on Censorship" on Tuesday, September 20, from 7-8:30 PM in the Community Room. This panel discussion will focus on the right to seek and express ideas under the First Amendment, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular, and the library's role in opposing efforts to remove books based on personal values and beliefs. Panelists include Lindsey Dorfman, Library Director, Glenview Public Library; Joyce McIntosh, Assistant Program Director, Freedom to Read Foundation; and B.T. Gottfred, author of three teen novels and 1993 Glenbrook South High School graduate.

In 2021, according to the ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom, there were 729 attempts to remove or restrict library, school, and university materials based on a person's or group's objections, affecting 1,597 books. Libraries across the US are facing increased attempts to ban books, many by or about people of color or LGBTQIA+ persons. "The Library is proud to be a sanctuary of intellectual freedom in our community. We work hard to build inclusive collections that represent a diverse range of ideas, opinions, and experiences because we know this work is essential to a healthy democracy and a strong community," stated Lindsey Dorfman, Glenview Public Library Director.

Register and learn more about Banned Books week, including upcoming programs, reading suggestions, and the Banned Books Reading Challenge at glenviewpl.org/banned-books.

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