From: Mary Ghikas
Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 4:29 PM
To: unit_managers
Subject: RE: ALA releases statement on Alaska book banning controversy
News
For Immediate Release
ALA PRESIDENT JIM RETTIG RELEASES STATEMENT ON CENSORSHIP
Chicago - The American Library Association (ALA) opposes book banning and
censorship in any form, and supports librarians whenever they resist
censorship in their libraries. Since our society is so diverse, libraries have a
responsibility to provide materials that reflect the interests of all of their
patrons.
Each year, the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom receives hundreds of
reports on books and other materials that were "challenged" (their removal
from school or library shelves was requested). The ALA estimates the number
reported represents only about a quarter of the actual challenges.
In support of our efforts to fight censorship, the ALA annually celebrates
Banned Books Week – a national celebration of the freedom to read.
Observed during the last week of September each year, Banned Books Week
reminds Americans not to take the precious democratic freedom to read for
granted. This year, Banned Books Week will take place September 27–
October 4, 2008.
The American Library Association is a nonprofit, 501(c) (3) educational
association that supports quality library and information services and public
access to information. As such, it is not allowed to take a position on
political candidates and strives to be nonpartisan in its activities.
To learn more about book challenges and Banned Books Week please visit
http://www.ala.org/bbooks
####
Contacts:
Macey Morales
Manager Media Relations, ALA
312-280-4393
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Jennifer Petersen
PR Coordinator, ALA
312-280-5043
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Macey Morales
Manager, Media Relations
American Library Association
50 E. Huron
Chicago, IL 60611
312-280-4393
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