• Intellectual Freedom Information

    First celebrated in the 1980s, Banned Books Week was created to celebrate the freedom to read.  From the ALA Banned Books Week webpage: 

    Books are still being banned and challenged today. A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials.

    While books have been and continue to be banned, part of the Banned Books Week celebration is the fact that, in a majority of cases, the books have remained available. This happens only thanks to the efforts of librarians, teachers, students, and community members who stand up and speak out for the freedom to read.

     Jason Reynolds, Inagural Chair of Banned Books Week 2021, on why Books Unite Us, Censorship Divides Us.

     

     
    Dave Pilkey, an author whose series Captain Underpants, is frequently banned/challenged, explains how to react properly to books we don't like and still celebrate the freedoms of America.
     
     
    logo banned books week  
    Read about Rainbow Rowell's response to her novel Eleanor and Park being challenged:

    “When these people call Eleanor & Park an obscene story, I feel like they’re saying that rising above your situation isn’t possible. That if you grow up in an ugly situation, your story isn’t even fit for good people’s ears. That ugly things cancel out everything beautiful."

     
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    The Rutherford B. Hayes library, in conjunction with the American Library Association and the Books sellers of America, is proud to celebrate your First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and the right to read.

    Please read the following websites for more information and to educate yourself on this important topic. Your intellectual freedom is important. Take the time to know what it means. 
     
    The Library Bill of Rights

    The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.

     

    I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

     

    II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

     

    III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

     

    IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.

     

    V. A person's right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.

     

    VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.

     

    Adopted June 18, 1948, by the ALA Council; amended February 2, 1961;amended June 28, 1967; amended January 23, 1980; inclusion of "age"reaffirmed January 24, 1996.

     
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    Websites for your Consideration
    American Library Association 

    The American Library Assocation describes and lists the most frequently challenged and banned books of the 21st Century. The reasons for these challenges are also explained, along with the data about numbers of challenges, and percentages for each reason for the challenges.

    Amnesty International
    Amnesty International provides information on individuals who are persecuted because of the information they produce, provide, or read.

    American Booksellers Association

    The American Booksellers Advocacy page will provide a look at the freedom of expression from both an intellectual freedom perspective, and a business, economic model.

    The Freedom Forum
    The Freedom Forum is an organization dedicated to freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and free spirit for all people.

    People for the American Way

    Democracy is a hollow promise if citizens aren't guaranteed freedom of expression. We're working to protect Americans' right to speak their minds without fear of reprisal. --From PFAW

    National Coalition Against Censorship

    The National Coalition Against Censorship is dedicated to protecting rights and principles guaranteed by the First Amendment. We report on incidents of censorship and provide support and resources to people facing challenges to freedom of inquiry and expression.

    Chris Crutcher Answers the Censors

    This page on Chris Crutcher's website is just one of several responses to censorship. His books are, on occasion, the targets of censors. He remains an advocate for intellectual freedom in this country.