BONUS: The Freedom to Read: Challenges to Intellectual Freedom Then and Now Down Time with Cranston Public Library

Book challenges and threats to intellectual freedom are on the rise nationwide, and community support of public libraries is more important than ever. The Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center and the Cranston Public Library presented a panel discussion looking at the historical context of intellectual freedom and how we can respond and advocate for these institutions and freedoms in the present. Bringing together historians, public librarians, and free speech advocates, this event will frame the importance of protecting and advocating for institutions that enable a free and pluralistic society.

This panel discussion and audience Q&A was moderated by Tayla Cardillo, chair of the RI Library Association Intellectual Freedom Committee, and featured opening remarks from 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.

Recorded and streamed live on Oct 4, 2023