Format: A free, live webinar hosted by ALA eLearning and the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom
Date: Wednesday, January 8, 2025,
Time: 1:00 – 2:00 pm ET/12:00 – 1:00 pm CST
ALA Member Price: Free
Credit Type: None

Register Here

Numerous public and school librarians have faced challenges to materials for minors, in school and public libraries. In addition to having an individual parent or patron bringing a challenge, library workers are now seeing organized attempts to move entire collections or seeing local and state leaders attempt to pass laws and legislation limiting access for students and patrons who are minors. While groups may claim that materials are obscene or harmful to minors, those terms are carefully defined in law, and courts have set limits on when they can be applied to books and other information resources. Learn how to address these challenges from a First Amendment lens and how to navigate these challenges when such claims are made.

Presenters: Theresa Chmara, Freedom to Read Foundation General Counsel, and Leila Green Little, who became an advocate when her local library removed some of her kids' favorite titles form the shelves, will share their first-hand knowledge and experience.

Learning Goals and Outcomes:

Understand the laws addressing materials claimed to be obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors and the role of the First Amendment
Learn ways to respond to these accusations and how to invite others to support library workers and school librarians who are facing challenges
Learn steps you can take when you are directly accused of distributing materials claimed to be " harmful to minors" or otherwise in violation of the law

The webinar will be recorded and shared with those who registered.

Gavin Damore
Membership and Marketing Specialist, ALSC and YALSA
American Library Association
He/Him/His

Cathy Lancaster

Youth Services Coordinator

Library of Michigan
702 W. Kalamazoo St.
Lansing, MI 48915
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers - See www.mypronouns.org to learn more.

LancasterC5@michigan.gov | 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan
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Join the MiYouth Listserv, created for Michigan public library staff to share and discuss children and teen programming and services.

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