'Know Your Rights: Intellectual Freedom & Libraries' at The Seattle Public Library Oct. 4
release date: September 19, 2017
Who decides what you get to think? Libraries play an important role in protecting knowledge and people's rights to unfettered access to information. Join The Seattle Public Library for a conversation with dynamic thinkers about what intellectual freedom means in today's society from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4 at the Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Level 1, Microsoft Auditorium, 206-386-4636.
Library events and programs are free and everyone is welcome. Registration is not required. Parking is available at Central Library garage for $6 after 5 p.m.
Libraries are often considered "neutral" places, in the sense that they are non-partisan. Yet, as institutions that are based on core values of intellectual freedom and equal access to information-how should libraries strike that challenging balance between staying objective and protecting democratic values?
The panel will share important examples of ground breaking intellectual freedom moments, discuss how libraries have handled controversial content over time, and talk about how new technologies and shifts in civil rights have affected libraries.
This panel discussion will include:
Becky Yoose, library applications & systems manager at the Library
Sara Porkalob, performer, director and arts activist
Susan Hildreth, UW iSchool Professor of practice and former City Librarian of The Seattle Public Library from 2009-2011
David Wright, reader services librarian at the Library, UW iSchool teacher and book reviewer
from 2009-2011