As book challenges and censorship attempts intensify, library staff at every level - particularly those on the front lines - find themselves navigating increasingly complex conversations about access, diversity, and community values related to library resources. This session moves beyond general overviews of intellectual freedom to focus on practical, actionable strategies for responding to real-world situations while staying true to the ethical foundations of librarianship. Drawing upon resources (United Against Book Bans, PEN America) and advocacy efforts (Authors Against Book Bans, American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom), this program equips participants with tools to confidently, ethically, and effectively address challenges. Through guided discussion, scenario analysis, and reflective dialogue, attendees will explore how to uphold intellectual freedom in both principled and pragmatic ways.
