Note From Amber

When intellectual freedom makes headlines, it's usually because a library is reacting to a challenge. But the work of protecting the freedom to read doesn't begin when a book is challenged or a policy is questioned. It starts with preparation, strong relationships, and a shared commitment to ensuring every Michigander has the freedom to access information and explore new ideas and perspectives.

That belief was at the heart of the Michigan Intellectual Freedom Summit, where library leaders, trustees, educators, legal experts, and advocates came together in June for two days of conversation, collaboration, and planning. This wasn't designed to be a traditional conference where people listened to presentations and went home. It was a working summit. We asked participants to think deeply about today's challenges, imagine what might be coming next, and help MLA shape a stronger statewide approach to protecting intellectual freedom.

Throughout the summit, we explored intellectual freedom from a variety of perspectives. State and national experts shared insights on emerging legal issues, government speech doctrine, censorship trends, civil liberties, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence. Just as importantly, participants spent time working together identifying future risks, uncovering opportunities, and sharing ideas that libraries can put into practice in their own communities.

As the conversations unfolded, a few clear themes rose to the surface:

One of the strongest messages was that no library should have to face these challenges alone. As legal, political, and technological issues continue to evolve, collaboration across the state will be more important than ever. Participants saw tremendous value in sharing resources, learning from one another, and building stronger partnerships. When participants were asked what they thought was missing from current MI Right to Read resources, they repeatedly mentioned a need for more collaboration. Some responses included ‘increased public outreach,’ ‘connecting libraries so we aren’t doing this work alone,’ and ‘more aligned responses.’

We also heard your call for more practical support. The values behind intellectual freedom are well understood, but many library leaders are looking for concrete tools they can use every day, like policy templates and board education, as well as communication strategies and crisis response resources. Participants repeatedly mentioned a desire for additional training opportunities and guidance on aligning policies with civil rights law. 

Another recurring theme was the importance of relationships. Libraries that have built trust with their communities, elected officials, and local organizations are often better prepared when challenges arise. Protecting intellectual freedom isn't just about reacting to book challenges. It's about proactively building understanding of the library's role in a healthy, informed democracy. 

At the same time, participants encouraged one another to think beyond today's headlines. Changing information ecosystems, evolving legal questions, and public expectations are reshaping the environment in which libraries operate. Preparing for that future means remaining adaptable while staying grounded in the profession's core values. One participant remarked, ‘things may be scary right now, but we have a path forward. It’s tricky but doable.’

Perhaps the most meaningful outcome of the summit wasn't any one presentation or discussion. It was the collective roadmap that began to take shape over two days. Through facilitated conversations and collaborative planning, participants identified priorities and generated ideas that will help guide MLA's intellectual freedom work in the months and years ahead.

That work is already underway. The recommendations from the summit are helping shape the next phase of the MI Right to Read initiative, informing future professional development, advocacy efforts, partnerships, and resources for libraries across Michigan. Not every idea will happen overnight but together they provide us with direction for the work ahead.

The Michigan Intellectual Freedom Summit was never meant to be the end. It was the starting point. The challenges facing libraries will continue to change but so will our response. By bringing together diverse voices, encouraging thoughtful discussion, and committing to shared action, we took an important step toward building a stronger, more connected network of support for intellectual freedom across Michigan. And we will be announcing a date soon for a virtual session where summit participants and others will discuss our action items coming out of the summit.

The summit concluded on June 11, but the conversations, and the work they inspired, are just getting started. One note from a participant shared during the final session said, ‘my brain is overflowing with new ideas and possibilities. Thank you.’ 

I could not agree more and am looking forward to sharing updates soon about how MLA will be putting your ideas into action.