Book Banners, Display Disruptors, and Drag Queen Storytime Protesters: How to Respond to Content Challenges

Thursday, June 1, 2023

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT

Location: A10

Derek Wolfgram

Library Director
Redwood City Public Library
Beth Wrenn-Estes

Executive Director
California Library Association
Hillary Theyer

Director
Monterey County Free Libraries
Shawn Thrasher

Library Director
Ontario City Library
Cindy Chadwick

County Librarian
Alameda County Library
Joyce McIntosh

Assistant Program Director
Freedom to Read Foundation

With the increasing political polarization in our communities, libraries have seen a dramatic increase in attempts to restrict content. While great libraries represent a wide variety of viewpoints, and as a result usually contain something to offend everyone, some local residents and organized movements seek to limit or eliminate certain subject matter, often centered on race and/or LGBTQ+ topics, from library collections, programs, and displays. Learn about some of the challenges faced by California libraries, and creative and positive strategies for responding in a way that maintains access to materials that our communities need and want to have available.