Protecting Access: Concrete ways to Prepare for and Respond to Book Challenges

Book challenges and other attempts to restrict or remove access to materials are making headlines and keeping librarians up at night. Get the facts and the tools to protect access in your library and support your community’s right to read.

In this webinar, Bibliotheca Solution Consultant Lisa Stamm, MLS, welcomes Tasslyn Magnusson and Sabrina Baeta from PEN America, along with Sanobar Wilkens from EveryLibrary’s Fight for the First initiative, for a straightforward, solutions-focused discussion on defending intellectual freedom in today’s highly charged climate.  

In this live session, you’ll learn how to:  

• Understand the current scope and tactics of book challenges  

• Respond calmly and confidently to patron concerns  

• Access ready-to-use resources for staff training and public communication  

• Leverage partners, talking points, and community supporters to strengthen your stance  

• Build a proactive strategy that aligns with your library’s policies and values  

Whether you’re preparing for potential censorship challenges or already facing them, this webinar will equip you with practical steps to “meet the moment” and keep your shelves open to everyone.

Save your seat today and empower your team to defend the freedom to read.   

Guests:  

• Lisa Stamm, MLS – Solution Consultant, Bibliotheca | Host  
• Tasslyn Magnusson – Senior Advisor with the Freedom to Read program at PEN America | Moderator  
• Sabrina Baeta – PEN America | Setting the stage: Context and data on the current censorship crisis  
• Sanobar Wilkens – EveryLibrary, Fight for the First initiative | Strategic actions and community response