Sponsored by the Ohio Library Council

Register at my OLC | Deadline to register: 11/28/23

Registration: FREE* for OLC Members Only.
*Individual members, trustees or staff of OLC Institutional Member Libraries.

When registering, click “Finalize This Transaction” instead of “Pay Now” as there is no cost to participate.

Webinar Overview: Public libraries continue to confront attacks on the freedom to read. Although censorship isn’t a new issue, the United States has seen a dramatic rise in book ban attempts since 2021. We know this is a stressful and isolating time for our members. To help you prepare for current and emerging challenges, the OLC will host a webinar on how to manage these difficult situations, actions every library should take, and supportive resources you can turn to when faced with a challenge.

This session will provide an update on the situation in Ohio and across the country, including some of the recent tactics we have seen in the last 12 months. You will learn how to build strong policies, update your public participation policies, craft effective responses, and connect with key stakeholders to ensure they advocate for your library and remain committed to information access for all.

Presenters: Michelle Francis, Executive Director and Jay Smith, Director of Government and Legal Services, Ohio Library Council

Intended Audience: Library directors, library leadership & management, and trustees.

What’s Included: Participation in the live webinar, and/or access to the recording and resources provided by the presenters.

NOTE: Webinar access information will be sent via e-mail before the webinar begins on Nov. 30. Please check that your correct e-mail address is listed in your my OLC profile page.