In the last year, libraries and schools around the nation have seen an increase in book challenges and bannings. While many of these issues play out in school boards and in the legislature, many of you may be wondering what you can do to help. A group of library advocates and leaders from the Virginia Library Association have created this zoom series for August, September and October (in addition to an in-person session at the VLA Conference in Norfolk). Please register for each session individually.

October 12, 12pm-1pm

Are you concerned about the attacks on the freedom to read, and want to learn how to fight against them? VLA is hosting a three-part webinar series, along with an in-person session at the VLA Conference in October, that will walk you through the history of book banning in Virginia, how to stay on top of book banning efforts, and what actions you can take to stand for freedom. These sessions will be recorded.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vcOmrrzouGdKa2rLGExUI6oyzLQoyVP0-

Special Guest: Senator Ghazala Hashmi, PhD, serves in the Virginia General Assembly, representing the 10th Senatorial District which includes parts of Richmond City, Chesterfield County, and all of Powhatan County. She sits on the following Senate committees: Education and Health; Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources; General Laws and Technology; and Local Government. Senator Hashmi also chairs the Senate Subcommittee on Public Education. Prior to her election in November 2019, Senator Hashmi had a long career in higher education in Virginia.

Presenters:

Christina Harris, Outreach & Instruction Librarian, Mary Baldwin University

Shari Henry, Director Strategic Initiatives, Urban Libraries Council