October 1-7 is Right to Read Week!

October 1 - 7 is Nationally known as “Banned Books Week”, and here in Michigan, the Michigan Library Association (MLA) is changing the narrative. If you are not already aware of this shift, we thought you might enjoy hearing about what this means. Before we share information from the MLA, we asked Holly Ward-Lamb, Director of our very own Howell Carnegie District Library, to share her thoughts on this shift. “I applaud the Michigan Library Association for focusing on the Right to Read during the week of October 1-7. A core feature of a public library is protecting Americans' First Amendment Right to access the information they seek. This means that public libraries provide a safe space for different perspectives and ideas while allowing our users to decide what is suitable for them and their families. These choices happen every day at your local public library”.

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE MI RIGHT TO READ COALITION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 2, 2023
CONTACT: Bridgette Bauer, 734-678-2562

MI Right to Read coalition celebrates Right to Read Week, advocating for the freedom to read

LANSING, Mich. – The MI Right to Read coalition is celebrating Right to Read Week in Michigan, nationally known as Banned Books Week, and is raising awareness about the importance of intellectual freedom and the dangers of censorship in local public libraries. “In Michigan, we’re changing the narrative of Banned Books Week and focusing on protecting the freedom to read in our public libraries,” said Debbie Mikula, executive director of the Michigan Library Association. “At the core of every public library’s mission is providing a safe space for different perspectives, ideas and backgrounds. Right to Read Week is about highlighting the important work our libraries do to protect intellectual freedom and limit censorship.”

The MI Right to Read coalition is urging Michigan residents to take different actions to protect their First Amendment right to read what they choose in public libraries, including:

• Help grow the coalition: Invite friends, family, and colleagues to join the MI Right to Read coalition and be fully prepared to defend First Amendment rights.

• Post on social media: Spread the word and share your stories about having the right to read.

• Write a letter: Author a letter to local newspaper about the importance of intellectual freedom in Michigan’s local public libraries.

• Contact your lawmaker: Call or email state and local officials and urge them to oppose censorship and support the right to read in public libraries.

Since the launch of the MI Right to Read campaign in August, the coalition has grown to nearly 3,000 members. "The First Amendment enshrines our right to read what we choose, and parents should know that librarians select materials for their shelves based on their educational and community value," said Juliane Morian, director of the Rochester Hills Public Library and chair of the Intellectual Freedom Task Force. "Safeguarding the freedom to read in Michigan's public libraries will take the entire community getting involved, and it guarantees a brighter future for our state."

Learn more about the MI Right to Read campaign and coalition at MIRighttoRead.com.

MI Right to Read is an initiative of the Michigan Library Association (MLA), coordinated through the leadership of the Intellectual Freedom Task Force. The Michigan Library Association is Michigan's oldest and largest library association. Since 1891, MLA has led the advancement of all Michigan libraries through advocacy, education, and engagement. MLA's membership is comprised of individual and organizational members from public, academic, school, tribal, and special libraries.
For more information visit milibraries.org