LibraryCon at CCBC Celebrates Diverse Stories and the Freedom to Read

As librarians, we advocate for intellectual freedom every day, ensuring access to a full spectrum of ideas, opinions, and knowledge. On Saturday, October 19 we’ll join libraries across the county for the Freedom to Read Day of Action to draw attention toward fighting book censorship.

At my library, we marked (celebrate doesn’t feel quite right!) banned book week, which took place September 22-28 this year, with a curated banned books display and a “Got Caught Reading” mugshot photo opportunity. These setups consistently generate conversations among our users, with many expressing frustration and anger about censorship, which builds awareness around the issue.

However, I find myself wondering how far these efforts aid actual progress or if we’re just engaging the same voices in an echo chamber. Are we creating any sort of lasting impression or fostering change? This feeling grows when I hear from colleagues about complaints, sometimes from patrons and sometimes, even, from staff, about perceived over-representation of diverse voices. This pushback is disheartening, especially when it comes from educators and library workers.

Fear is a fuel but can be countered with information which is exactly what we are setup to provide. We encourage our users to read challenged books, attend meetings, write letters of support, and engage with their communities. ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom provides an abundance of resources for fighting book bans. Still, I sometimes question how much difference this makes. In many cases, no amount of outreach or information will sway those who are firmly opposed to certain books or ideas. People are entitled to their opinions, just as we are to ours. However, accepting that reality doesn’t make the resistance any less frustrating.

This Saturday’s 2024 Beaver County LibraryCon, our library’s partnership with the Beaver County Library System, coincides with the “Freedom to Read Day of Action”. It’s a time when we emphasize the value of intellectual freedom as the event invites a diverse group of participants.  Last year’s theme of “Let Freedom Read” led to positivity and high engagement and this year’s theme, “Get Into Character”, promises to do the same. I’m hopeful the energy and enthusiasm at the event will leave me reinvigorated, reminding me that, despite challenge, our efforts do make a difference. If you’re in the area, we hope to see you here!