News
- 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…
- Intellectual Freedom Challenges to Library-Initiated Programs: Some Recent Examples from Illinois Libraries
- September 1, 2022
- Article published by ILA Intellectual Freedom Committee in the September 2022, Volume XL, Issue 3 of the ILA Reporter (Download PDF) Written by Jeremy Andrykowski, Oak Park Public Library and Matt Matkowski, Palos Heights Public Library The Amer…
- Deborah Caldwell-Stone, Director of the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom, Named Recipient of the 2021 Intellectual Freedom Award
- July 1, 2021
- The 2021 Illinois Library Association Intellectual Freedom Award is awarded to Deborah Caldwell-Stone, director of the American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom and the Executive Director of the Freedom to Read Foundation. …
Events
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May
10
2023
Intellectual Freedom Committee Meeting
Wednesday, May 10, 2023 2:00pm–3:00pm
Zoom

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.
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
- ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom
- Banned Books Week
- Comic Book Legal Defense Fund
- Freedom to Read Foundation
- IHLS Resource Guide: Censorship and Book Challenges
- Intellectual Freedom Round Table
- National Coalition Against Censorship
- RAILS Materials Challenges
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
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Matthew Matkowski, Co-chair Head of Public Services at Palos Heights Public Library
Co-chair Term ends 06/30/2023
Member Term ends 06/30/2023
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Jeremy Andrykowski, Member Director of Operations at Oak Park Public Library
Member Term ends 06/30/2023
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Kathy L Dejnowski, Member Thornton Public Library
Member Term ends 06/30/2024
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Stephanie Favela, Member Adult Services Lead at O'Fallon Public Library
Member Term ends 06/30/2024
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Elizabeth Lynch, Member Head of Teen Services at Addison Public Library
Member Term ends 06/30/2024
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Betsy Mahoney, Member Branch Manager at Six Mile Regional Library District
Member Term ends 06/30/2023
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Catherine Purcell, Member Library Associate at Champaign Public Library
Member Term ends 06/30/2023
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Sarah Rice, Member Research and Knowledge Services Manager at Forefront
Member Term ends 06/30/2024
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Heidi Smith, Member Executive Director at Highland Park Public Library
Member Term ends 06/30/2024
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Cassandra Thompson, Member SHARE Director at Illinois Heartland Library System - Edwardsville
Member Term ends 06/30/2023
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Michelle Oh, Board liaison Education Librarian at Oakton College
Board liaison Term ends 06/30/2023
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Kristin Pekoll, Staff liaison Conference and Continuing Education Manager at Illinois Library Association
Staff liaison Term ends 06/30/2025