[Register now for Beyond Book Bans Winning as freedom fighters against new and rapidly evolving threats to the First Amendment and the institution of the public library.] Book challenges are only the tip of the iceberg. Public libraries are experiencing pressures on leadership, and sometimes subversive board takeovers, to compromise their mission to provide unfettered access to all and to reflect the diverse communities they serve. In this online session, you’ll hear from seven speakers who are, like you, on the front line of fighting for the First Amendment and the institution of the public library. Each has a unique tale to share along with successful strategies and advice. Register in Advance for this Meeting. Final presentation all at 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: * Tuesday, August 22 - REGISTER<https://woodlands.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAtd-igqTsqEtDpny_6MfWvxwXqFkP3YsNr> This will be a strategic and policy-level discussion for public library directors and leadership teams. BANS, BANS, BANS!! Lance Werner is the Executive Director of Kent District Library and an attorney who regularly advises libraries across the country on their specific challenges. This presentation will furnish a basic tool kit that has been utilized by the speaker when addressing book challenges from municipal boards and elected officials. [https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/bdfb283f2a459adf8aebac253/images/89e4cc94-549a-1539-754b-2ac93cbecdfd.jpg?w=141&dpr=2] Well That Escalated Quickly Real Life Lessons on Managing an Extreme Book Challenge Crisis Amy Churchill is Director of the Lapeer District Library and has over 20 years’ experience in varying library administration roles. Her presentation focuses on handling a large scale politically motivated book challenge situation with the added element of being threatened with criminal prosecution. [https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/bdfb283f2a459adf8aebac253/images/b46291ed-cb81-7607-7caf-d9a1eeed2caf.jpg?w=141&dpr=2] Book Challenges and All the Challenging Legal Issues That Accompany Them Anne Seurynck is a partner attorney at Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC whose practice specialties include Library Law, Open Meetings Act and Municipal Litigation. This presentation will focus on the legal issues involved with book challenges, including First Amendment issues. [https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/bdfb283f2a459adf8aebac253/images/7d89573d-344d-34a1-4086-68d610d4ea2d.jpg?w=141&dpr=2] “Alone We Can do Little; Together We Can Do So Much” Carol Dawe has been director of the Lakeland Library Cooperative in Grand Rapids since 2018. She is currently the chair of the Michigan Cooperative Directors Association. This presentation focuses on how the 11 Cooperative Directors support their member library boards, directors and staffs throughout Michigan as they face censorship and other 1st amendment issues. [https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/bdfb283f2a459adf8aebac253/images/4bd38821-2058-c83f-c189-f78b7e84d845.jpg?w=141&dpr=2] How to Deal with the Book Banners: Small Library Perspective Erin Schmandt is Director of the Caro Area District Library and has worked as a public library director in rural Michigan for almost 2 decades. The fight of the first decade was district library formation and apparently the fight of this decade is intellectual freedom. You may already serve as director, HR, maintenance, collection development, technical services, programmer, and sometimes janitor. How can you wedge intellectual freedom fighter into that list? [https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/bdfb283f2a459adf8aebac253/images/22e99230-a862-6e57-452f-df7167a53a66.jpg?w=141&dpr=2] Manage the Message Before it Manages You Randy Goble is the Director of Engagement of Kent District Library, with extensive experience in marketing and public relations, including crisis communications. Managing the message starts long before any incident arises. What can you do now to be ready for what you expect to crop up, and also to be ready for the unexpected? [https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/bdfb283f2a459adf8aebac253/images/e22774ad-e0d7-e86e-803f-5c6de37c7ce8.jpg?w=141&dpr=2] MI Right to Read and Supporting Resources Dillon Geshel is Director of the Superiorland Library Cooperative, located in Marquette, Michigan. He also serves as President-Elect on the Michigan Library Association board. During the 2022-2023 year, Dillon served as the Chair of the Michigan Library Association's Intellectual Freedom Task Force. His presentation will focus on the main areas of support that MLA and MI Right to Read offer. [https://dim.mcusercontent.com/cs/bdfb283f2a459adf8aebac253/images/d1cf1085-3d49-9cd3-d8e2-a8711b0bbaea.jpg?w=141&dpr=2] Register in Advance for this Meeting. Final presentation at 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: * Tuesday, August 22 - REGISTER<https://woodlands.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAtd-igqTsqEtDpny_6MfWvxwXqFkP3YsNr> -- Dillon Geshel, Director Superiorland Library Cooperative 1615 Presque Isle, Marquette MI (906) 228 7697 Ext.1 Visit our website at www.superiorlandlibrary.org<http://www.superiorlandlibrary.org/> [cid:29f357a8-c6f1-4c47-b4f0-4d38bad62cec]
