Virtual Learning
Held on August 6, 2025
Webinar: Protecting Access - Concrete ways to Prepare for and Respond to Book Challenges
Discover practical strategies to help your library safeguard access, navigate book challenges, and uphold the right to read.
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 recorded webinar, Bibliotheca Solution Consultant Lisa Stamm, MLS, welcomes Tasslyn Magnusson and Sabrina Baeta from PEN America, along with Sanobar Wilkins from EveryLibrary’s Fight for the First initiative, for a straightforward, solutions-focused discussion on defending intellectual freedom in today’s highly charged climate.
Bibliotheca is happy to share these additional resources and references related to and/or mentioned during this webinar.
Use the download links below for the slides as presented and a full-text version of the chat log.
At right, find links to additional resources the presenters made reference to, which may lead off of our website.
This recorded session covers 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 offers practical steps to “meet the moment” and keep your shelves open to everyone.
Guests:
- Lisa Stamm, MLS
Solution Consultant at Bibliotheca | Host - Tasslyn Magnusson
Senior Advisor with the Freedom to Read program at PEN America | Moderator - Sabrina Baêta
Senior Program Manager at PEN America | Setting the stage: Context and data on the current censorship crisis - Sanobar Wilkins
Democracy Projects Coordinator at EveryLibrary | Fight for the First Initiative: Strategic actions and community response
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