The Intellectual Freedom committee is responsible for maintaining an awareness of intellectual freedom among library staff and trustees. In addition, awareness of the meaning of intellectual freedom should be fostered among local officials and citizens of Rhode Island. The committee should plan and coordinate one program for the Annual Conference.

Are you experiencing a materials challenge or other attempt at censorship at your library, school, or other institution in Rhode Island? Submit a report to the RILA Intellectual Freedom Committee and let us know how we can support you:

RI Challenge Reporting Form

Past IFC Programming

Freedom to Read: Challenges to Intellectual Freedom Then and Now

In this panel discussion recorded live on October 4, 2023 at the Cranston Public Library, we examined the historical context of intellectual freedom and presented the importance of protecting and advocating for public institutions that enable a free and pluralistic society. You can view the presentation on YouTube or listen to the audio as a podcast episode.

This panel discussion and audience Q&A was moderated by Tayla Cardillo, chair of the RILA Intellectual Freedom Committee, and featured opening remarks from Cranston Public Library trustee Michael Goldberg. Panelists included: Brigitte Hopkins and Bill Lancellotta from the Westerly Library; Steven Brown, Executive Director of the Rhode Island ACLU; and Michael Bryant, Professor of History and Legal Studies at Bryant University.

The Importance of Policies: Promoting Our Principles in Practice

In this presentation recorded on September 21, 2022, Martin Garnar discusses current concerns about library resources and services and learn about best practices for library policies that support us in promoting intellectual freedom and social justice.

Martin Garnar, PhD, is the director of the Amherst College Library and the editor of the 10th edition of the Intellectual Freedom Manual. His professional activities and speaking schedule reflect a profound inability to say no. A native New Yorker, Martin lives in western Massachusetts with his husband Mark and their impossibly cute miniature dachshunds.

Professional Resources

The list below provides just a sample of resources available to library workers and community members in addressing challenges to library materials:

Challenge Preparation and Response Toolkit

A toolkit for librarians. Login to your RILA account to view.

"Rhode Island Library Association" is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Rhode Island Library Association, P.O. Box 6765, Providence, RI 02940

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