Intellectual Freedom Committee

News

IFC is Hosting a Virtual Discussion
November 22, 2024
Soft Censorship, Self-Censorship, and the Chilling Effect in Libraries Join members of the ILA Intellectual Freedom Committee as they lead a discussion about the impacts that various forms of censorship are having on libraries. Participants are encou…
Congratulations To Lia Neveu for the Intellectual Freedom Award
July 17, 2024
Lia Neveu Selected as 2024 Illinois Library Association Intellectual Freedom Award Recipient The 2024 Illinois Library Association (ILA) Intellectual Freedom Award is awarded to Lia Neveu, a current student of Lakes Community High School an…
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…

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Events

  1. Dec 11 2024

    Soft Censorship, Self-Censorship, and the Chilling Effect in Libraries

    Wednesday, Dec 11, 2024 2:00pm–3:00pm

More events »

Unite Against Book Bans in Illinois

Unite Against Book Bans in Illinois

A coalition of Illinois library organizations including ILA, AISLE, RAILS, IHLS, and CARLI coordinate regional teams of local school, academic, and public library staff who would be willing to get involved on a local level to help preserve intellectual freedom.

Request Help Form             Volunteer

 


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. 

Report a Challenge

 

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


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.


  1. Elizabeth Lynch Elizabeth Lynch, Chair Head of Teen Services at Addison Public Library

    Chair Term ends 06/30/2025

  2. Benjamin De Biasio Benjamin De Biasio, Member Community Learning & Outreach Librarian at Rebecca Crown Library

    Member Term ends 06/30/2026

  3. Jolie Duncan Jolie Duncan, Member Info Services Manager at Arlington Heights Memorial Library

    Member Term ends 06/30/2026

  4. Holly M Eberle Holly M Eberle, Member Teen Librarian at Algonquin Area Public Library District

    Member Term ends 06/30/2025

  5. Alix Frazier Alix Frazier, Member Collection Development Librarian at Decatur Public Library

    Member Term ends 06/30/2027

  6. Leah A Gregory Leah A Gregory, Member Illinois Heartland Library System

    Member Term ends 06/30/2027

  7. Jawuan Walters Jawuan Walters, Member Information Services Librarian at Rockford Public Library

    Member Term ends 06/30/2027

  8. Anna Wassenaar Anna Wassenaar, Member Director at Blue Island Public Library

    Member Term ends 06/30/2025

  9. Jennifer Mills Jennifer Mills, Board liaison Shorewood-Troy Public Library District

    Board liaison Term ends 06/30/2027

  10. Kristin Pekoll Kristin Pekoll, Staff liaison Conference and Continuing Education Manager at Illinois Library Association

    Staff liaison Term ends 06/30/2025


iREAD Summer Reading Programs

Since 1981, iREAD provides high quality, low-cost resources and products that enable local library staff to motivate children, young adults, and adults to read.

Visit the iREAD website »