MI Right to Read and New Resources for Libraries

MI Right to Read is a new MLA initiative coordinated through the leadership of the Intellectual Freedom Task Force to protect the right to read in Michigan. Read on to learn more about MI Right to Read and new resources available for libraries to assist with first amendment challenges and join the coalition today.

MLA actively advocates and educates in defense of intellectual freedom – the rights of library users to read, seek information, and speak freely as guaranteed by the First Amendment. Intellectual freedom is a core value of the library profession and a basic right in our democratic society. MLA opposes censorship of materials and is a proponent of the accessibility to materials without prejudice to every member of the community.

For the past few months, the Intellectual Freedom Task Force has been preparing to launch MI Right to Read and has created a toolkit of resources to assist libraries with first amendment challenges.

MI Right to Read is a grassroots coalition of librarians and concerned Michigan residents. The coalition opposes any attempts to ban books from Michigan libraries based on content subjectively deemed inappropriate. Its purpose is to educate the public and oppose any current or future legislation that infringes upon First Amendment rights and intellectual freedom. The goal of the coalition is to protect Michiganders' right to read and ensure that librarians across Michigan are entrusted to continue to do their jobs and serve the needs of all students and communities.

Visit MIRighttoRead.com today and join the coalition.

View resources to assist libraries with first amendment challenges at milibraries.org/intellectual-freedom-toolkit.

View the Archived Advocacy Hour: Intellectual Freedom Task Force Update

Click below to view the recording of our May Advocacy Hour where you can learn all about MI Right to Read and MLA's Intellectual Freedom Toolkit. Plus, hear representatives from Free to Read Rochester share insights and tips on building a localized coalition to fight book banning.