News
- 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. …
- Committee Spotlight from the ILA Alert
- December 10, 2020
- The members of the Intellectual Freedom committee are dedicated to defending the rights of their community’s ability to access accurate information and to prevent censorship of library materials. We are available to assist and support…
- Committee Spotlight from the ILA Alert
- February 20, 2020
- Intellectual Freedom is a concept near and dear to our hearts. Our Association’s Intellectual Freedom Committee works to resist all attempts at censorship and serves as a ready brigade to assist you and your library with any cha…

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.
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
- Intellectual Freedom Video Series
- 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 two-year, staggered terms.
Committee Reports
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Matthew Matkowski, Co-chair Associate 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 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 Northeastern Illinois University
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