Intellectual Freedom Committee

News

Congratulations to the Youth Department of the Glen Carbon Centennial Library
August 21, 2023
The 2023 Illinois Library Association’s (ILA) Intellectual Freedom Award is awarded to the Youth Department of the Glen Carbon Centennial Library. This award, presented by the ILA Intellectual Freedom Committee, recognizes the Department, speci…
Noon Network: Intellectual Freedom Trends
April 7, 2023
Noon Network: Intellectual Freedom Trends Monday, April 24, 202312:00 - 1:00 p.m.Online (Zoom) Get the latest on what's happening in Illinois with book challenges, program challenges, and first amendment audits from members of the ILA Intellectual Fr…
Chicagoans of the Year for Books: Librarians and library workers of Illinois fight for dignity during a year of challenges
December 21, 2022
Article in Chicago Tribune "Chicagoans of the Year for Books: Librarians and library workers of Illinois fight for dignity during a year of challenges" When Julie Milavec thinks back on the past 12 months, her sigh gets long and heavy, almo…

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Events

  1. May 7 2024

    Intellectual Freedom Committee Meeting

    Tuesday, May 7, 2024 10:00am–11:00am

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Report Challenges to Library Materials

Since 1990, the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom has maintained a database on challenged materials. You can report challenges to materials in your library's collection by following the link below. 

Report a Challenge

 

IFC Resource Guide

Intellectual freedom issues are on the rise at libraries nationwide. This sheet, prepared by the ILA Intellectual Freedom Committee for the 2022 Annual Conference, contains resources you can use to help prepare for and respond to incidents. Download the IFC Resource Guide.

 

Other Resources


Committee Charge

Works to resist all attempts to censor library materials or to restrict public access to information. Keeps abreast of statewide and national issues and challenges. Gathers and disseminates information to the membership. Serves as a clearinghouse and source of information for libraries seeking assistance. Promotes intellectual freedom by actively contacting library and school officials where materials or procedures have been challenged, offering the assistance of the ILA membership. Raises awareness and provides continuing education activities. Selects the Intellectual Freedom Award winner. Provides leadership and assistance in access and privacy for electronic information.

The Intellectual Freedom Committee chair(s) serve(s) ex officio on ILA's Public Policy Committee.


Committee Composition

Composed of up to ten members,  serving three-year, staggered terms.


Committee Reports


  1. Elizabeth Lynch Elizabeth Lynch, Chair Head of Teen Services at Addison Public Library

    Chair Term ends 06/30/2024
    Member Term ends 06/30/2024

  2. Benjamin De Biasio Benjamin De Biasio, Member Community Learning & Outreach Librarian at Rebecca Crown Library

    Member Term ends 06/30/2026

  3. Kathy L Dejnowski Kathy L Dejnowski, Member Thornton Public Library

    Member Term ends 06/30/2024

  4. Jolie Duncan Jolie Duncan, Member Info Services Manager at Arlington Heights Memorial Library

    Member Term ends 06/30/2026

  5. Holly M Eberle Holly M Eberle, Member Teen Librarian at Algonquin Area Public Library District

    Member Term ends 06/30/2025

  6. Stephanie Favela Stephanie Favela, Member Adult Services Lead at O'Fallon Public Library

    Member Term ends 06/30/2024

  7. Terri Purcell Terri Purcell, Member Youth Services Assistant Manager at Joliet Public Library

    Member Term ends 06/30/2025

  8. Heidi Smith Heidi Smith, Member Executive Director at Highland Park Public Library

    Member Term ends 06/30/2024

  9. Anna Wassenaar Anna Wassenaar, Member Director at Blue Island Public Library

    Member Term ends 06/30/2025

  10. Kristine Wilber Kristine Wilber, Member Teacher/Librarian at Mather High School

    Member Term ends 06/30/2026

  11. Michelle Oh Michelle Oh, Board liaison Librarian for Open Access and Equity at Oakton College

    Board liaison Term ends 06/30/2024

  12. Kristin Pekoll Kristin Pekoll, Staff liaison Conference and Continuing Education Manager at Illinois Library Association

    Staff liaison Term ends 06/30/2025


iREAD Summer Reading Programs

Since 1981, iREAD provides high quality, low-cost resources and products that enable local library staff to motivate children, young adults, and adults to read.

Visit the iREAD website »