Dear PA library community,

We are seeing an increase in the number of book challenges in PA, particularly in schools – sometimes as curriculum material (Central York district), and sometimes in school libraries.  We want to make sure that you are aware of existing resources that are available, and strategies for how to prepare for any issues that may come to your community.  So, we will offer an OPEN FORUM on this for library staffs and leadership from any type of library, and regardless of membership in the Pennsylvania Library Association.

Representatives from the Pennsylvania Library Association (PaLA), Office of Commonwealth Libraries, PaLA Intellectual Freedom Committee, and PA School Librarians Association will share information about issues they are seeing, actions they are taking, and resources.  The Forum structure is not a formal training but meant to be a space for conversation and questions and answers with peer-to-peer sharing.    

The OPEN FORUM on book challenges will be on Tuesday, November 30 from 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm.   Given the nature of the conversation, it will not be recorded. https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0pcOugpjwvH9Tswq9-8URS6sdBePkVqTiV

The PA Library Association works to advance libraries and librarianship in PA.  Thank you to those that are members and help make these activities possible through your dues investment.  If you have questions, you are welcome to contact me.

Want to read in advance?

ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom – https://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/oif
ALA Challenge reporting form - https://www.ala.org/tools/challengesupport/report
Should I report censorship? Blog post - https://www.oif.ala.org/oif/?p=23612
How to respond to challenges - https://www.ala.org/tools/challengesupport/respond
Answering questions about Youth and access to library resources - https://www.ala.org/tools/challengesupport/youthresourcesFAQ