Lawyers for Libraries, a project of the American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom, is creating a network of attorneys around the country involved in, or committed to becoming involved in, the defense of the First Amendment freedom to read and the application of constitutional law to library policies, principles, and problems.
Whether you’re an attorney yourself or know an attorney, you can help expand support for libraries that need legal expertise in the face of attempted censorship and book banning.
Lawyers for Libraries will offer training to familiarize lawyers with the legal issues and strategies that apply to libraries. Those who join Lawyers for Libraries can:
- Defend intellectual freedom and access to information
- Support librarians facing legal challenges
- Protect First Amendment rights in libraries and schools
The Lawyers for Libraries network can make a profound difference in preserving libraries as safe, open spaces for learning and intellectual exploration. Libraries are more than buildings—they are the cornerstone of democratic access to knowledge.
If you are an attorney, please stand with librarians on the front lines of protecting intellectual freedom. Sign up at http://lawyersforlibraries.org to stay informed, learn about forthcoming CLE opportunities, and join the network. Others can help by spreading the word about Lawyers for Libraries.
Questions are welcome and may be directed to Sarah Lamdan, Deputy Director, ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom.
