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Committees
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Events
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Forums
- Illinois Association of College & Research Libraries Forum (IACRL)
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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…
Events
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Nov
7
2023
Intellectual Freedom Committee Meeting
Tuesday, Nov 7, 2023 10:00am–11:00am
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Jan
9
2024
Intellectual Freedom Committee Meeting
Tuesday, Jan 9, 2024 10:00am–11:00am
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Mar
5
2024
Intellectual Freedom Committee Meeting
Tuesday, Mar 5, 2024 10:00am–11:00am

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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Elizabeth Lynch, Chair Head of Teen Services at Addison Public Library
Chair Term ends 06/30/2024
Member Term ends 06/30/2024
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Benjamin De Biasio, Member Community Learning & Outreach Librarian at Rebecca Crown Library
Member Term ends 06/30/2026
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Kathy L Dejnowski, Member Thornton Public Library
Member Term ends 06/30/2024
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Jolie Duncan, Member Info Services Manager at Arlington Heights Memorial Library
Member Term ends 06/30/2026
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Holly M Eberle, Member Teen Librarian at Algonquin Area Public Library District
Member Term ends 06/30/2025
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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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Sarah Rice, Member Research Strategy Analyst
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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Anna Wassenaar, Member Director at Blue Island Public Library
Member Term ends 06/30/2025
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Kristine Wilber, Member Teacher/Librarian at Mather High School
Member Term ends 06/30/2026
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Michelle Oh, Board liaison Education Librarian at Oakton College
Board liaison Term ends 06/30/2024
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Kristin Pekoll, Staff liaison Conference and Continuing Education Manager at Illinois Library Association
Staff liaison Term ends 06/30/2025