Taking a Stand Against Censorship: Supportive Materials for Educators and Librarians

Becky Calzada holds the role of District Library Coordinator in Leander, Texas. She stands as a co-founding member of #FReadom Fighters, and has been honored with the ALA’s Robert B. Downs Intellectual Freedom Award, the American Association of School Librarians’ Intellectual Freedom Award, as well as the Texas Library Association’s Libraries Change Communities Award. Becky contributes to various facets of her profession, including serving as a cadre member of the ALA Policy Corp Proactive Advocacy on Book Banning, a member of the ALA Intellectual Freedom Committee, and participating on the Legislative Committee for the Texas Library Association. She has also held the position of Past Chair of the Texas Association of School Librarians. In addition to her many roles, she was recognized by People Magazine in their 2023 Women Changing the World portfolio.

Within our library profession, the core belief in intellectual freedom holds immense importance, making it crucial for librarians to remain engaged, whether they are currently facing censorship attempts or not. As a district library coordinator in a school setting, I've learned that proactive preparedness is an essential strategy. This involves:

· Reviewing and familiarizing yourself with your collection development policy.

· Keeping a readily accessible copy of your collection policy for sharing and enhancing understanding during communication.

· Conducting training for your team to address processes and practice scenarios.

· Collaborating with your school's principal to establish a well-defined action plan, ensuring preparedness on both ends.

· Cultivating transparency and trust with your community by openly presenting your collection development policy and explaining book procurement procedures.

· Crafting a FAQ document that addresses common questions administrators and families may have.

In cases where censorship attempts arise, promptly reporting them to the ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom is crucial for collecting data while preserving privacy. If you find yourself uncertain about the next steps, don't hesitate to reach out to the ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom for guidance and support on policy and procedural matters.

Intellectual freedom stands as a fundamental right for every reader, fostering an informed and engaged democracy through reading. Books extend the opportunity for readers to explore themselves, understand others, and comprehend the world around them. By engaging in proactive planning and preparation, you position yourself to confidently face challenges, ensuring that ALL readers can seize these opportunities within their library environments.