Freedom to Read” is a fundamental American right, and public libraries support that right by providing free and open access to all. This Banned Books Week webinar will share how to effectively support intellectual freedom, examining the current state of book challenges, Illinois’ legislative response, and the implications of censorship on communities with a panel of librarians, politicians, and authors. Presented in partnership with many Illinois libraries.

Join Sara, Jake, Andrea and Shira as they share their picks for the best new reads. This is a great place to pick up gift ideas for the upcoming holiday season! Registration not required; seating will be on a first come, first served basis.

A recording of the program will be available a few days after the program on the library’s YouTube channel.

Join Stephen Graham Jones as he talks scary stories, horror and more with Illinois librarian Becky Spratford. Jones is the New York Times bestselling author of “The Only Good Indians” and “Don’t Fear the Reaper,” and a prolific author of more than 25 books spanning genres. He is an NEA fellowship recipient and the Ivena Baldwin Professor of English at the University of Colorado Boulder. Made possible by Illinois Libraries Present.