Following the November 28 webinar, “No More Neutral – How to Champion the Right to Read,” we’ll meet in person to continue the discussion.

In this group, we’ll cover what we learned, how we plan to use it, and share strategies for successfully moving forward in the face of book bans and challenges. If you were unable to attend the webinar, please email Rebecca Kluberdanz Honsinger to receive a link to the recording.

Webinar Description:

On top of everything they need to do, libraries increasingly find themselves at the center of controversy. The American Library Association reports a substantial increase in the number of book bans and challenges in 2021 (double the number of reports from 2020). Oftentimes, the library’s efforts to create collection and service policies that fulfill its mission statement of inclusion are the focus of these challenges. These attacks cost money, lower morale, and productivity among the staff of small and rural libraries. They also threaten the very existence of libraries as safe spaces. But libraries do have some power, and it comes in the form of promotion.

In this course, you’ll learn marketing tactics you can use now to clarify your library’s policies, solidify your library’s positions, and clearly communicate your mission, vision, and values. And you’ll hear tactics to use to rally community and stakeholder support to your defense if your library should face such a challenge.

Learning outcomes include:

• Concrete tips for strengthening the public’s perception of the library now, including tips on how to promote its mission, vision, and values, the policies they create to protect intellectual freedom, and its place in the community as a safe and welcoming space.
• Marketing strategies for handling a censorship challenge, including strategies for responding to statements from critics via email, social media, and in the press.
• Promotional ideas designed to rally library supporters.

Registration closes on December 4, 2023, at 5 p.m.

**All participants will have the option to request a certificate of attendance for one and a half contact hours.**

All CLRC events are open to CLRC members and members of the Empire State Library Network.

All Attendees are expected to follow CLRC’s Code of Conduct