CE NEWS

May 4, 2022

Table of Contents

• Book Bans and Challenges
• Webinars You Don’t Want to Miss
• Designing for the Future: the post-pandemic library
• Continuing Education Grants

Book Bans and Challenges

Unite Against Book Bans Toolkit

In response to the concerted book challenges and bans taking place across the country, the American Library Association has launched the Unite Against Book Bans initiative that outlines specific actions library staff can take to ensure that individuals in their communities continue to have the freedom to read.

ALA has created an Action Toolkit that provides information on how to effectively talk about book bans, how to contact local and state elected officials and communicate with the media and connect with allies via social media. The toolkit includes FAQs’, suggested talking points and graphics that can downloaded and shared on social media.

Introduction to Intellectual Freedom [video]

This 4:28 minute video explains what intellectual freedom is and why is it important.
American Library Association Emerging Leader Project 2019
Sponsored by the Intellectual Freedom Roundtable

Collection Management Challenges is an online resource created by Alaska State Library staff with links to resources that will help library staff prepare for and respond to challenges.  

The Alaska Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom Committee is monitoring censorship challenges taking place in Alaska public and school libraries.  For information on how to report a challenge or to subscribe to their email list visit

Webinars You Don’t Want to Miss

How Can Every Library Help You?

May 12, 9:30 am to 10:30 am

The Indiana State Library has partnered with Peter Bromberg, Associate Director for Every Library which will outline the pro bono services they offer, and strategies library staff and boards can implement to prepare for a potential challenge.  

Serving All Communities: Navigating the Banned Books, Censorship & Intellectual Freedom Debate

May 10, Noon to 1 pm.

"We are living in a time when freedom of speech, intellectual freedom, and the rights of individuals are vigorously debated daily. Local opinions about what books can be read and what words can be spoken are destabilizing forces in the day to day of educators and librarians across the country. Whether personally agreeing or disagreeing with the political machinations in individual towns and cities, librarians and educators still need to support every student, parent, and community member as their professions require. But how?"

During this panel discussion library and education leaders will share firsthand experiences and strategies for navigating these turbulent political times. 

Designing for the Future: the post-pandemic library

The past couple of years have been challenging to say the least.  The COVID pandemic, economic insecurity, increased political polarization and social unrest have severely tested our country and affected how members of the public interact with one another.  Designing for the Future is an interactive workshop that will guide participants on how social and behavioral changes from the pandemic will affect the future design and operation of libraries and other public institutions. The Alaska State Library has partnered with NYU professor and space planning expert David Vinjamuri to offer Designing for the Future workshops in Anchorage, Juneau and Fairbanks.

During the workshop participants will examine seven fundamental issues related to library space planning and design. 

• A return to territoriality
• The concierge is here...forever
• The adaptable library
• The library a municipal point of service
• The library as community & civic hub
• Delivering services outside of the library
• The engaged staff

Below is the list of workshop locations and dates

Anchorage

• June 29, 2022
• Seminar Room, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
• Alaska Pacific University

Juneau

• June 30, 2022
• Classroom, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
• Andrew P Kashevaroff (APK) Building

Fairbanks

• July 6, 2022
• Large Conference Room, 10 am to 3 pm
• Noel Wien Public Library

Register for the workshop. Deadline to register is June 17, 2022.

Continuing Education Grants

The Alaska State Library offers a continuing education (CE) grant to public and school library staff to help them enhance their professional development. CE grants may be used to reimburse out of state, in-state travel to library workshops, conferences, and training events.

Eligible library outlets may apply for (1) $1,250 reimbursement or (4) $300 reimbursements at virtual conferences.  For information on how to apply for a CE grant visit.