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The Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) provides a forum for the discussion of activities, programs, and problems in intellectual freedom of libraries and librarians.

The IFRT Members Community group is the central hub for discussion, library and events. It is visible to all ALA members but only IFRT members can participate in the conversation.

  • 1.  Firing the Librarian of Congress

    Posted May 09, 2025 02:58 PM

    Hi

         Has anyone seen the latest Trump decision to fire the Librarian of Congress?  Why?  Is this an attempt to equate banned books with the Library of Congress? What is the man thinking (???) .  Has he ever read a book or does he even know what our great institution of books and other materials provide?  I'm speechless!  I have worked for the Enoch Pratt Library system  and I have appreciated the great work that Carla Hayden's influence has done for the System.  Any other thoughts?

    Claire Rafferty Gallam



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    Claire Gallam
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  • 2.  RE: Firing the Librarian of Congress

    Posted May 09, 2025 09:06 PM
    The firing of Carla Hayden by Trump is an outrageous attack on all librarians.  None of us is safe.  In the words of Audre Lorde, "Your Silence Will Not Protect You."  We need a strong statement and creative  expressions of protest on the part of librarians nationwide.
    Frieda Afary  
    Director-at-Large
    Intellectual Freedom Round Table




    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Firing the Librarian of Congress

    Posted May 10, 2025 11:36 AM

    Hi Frieda

        I am ready to sign my name on any strong statement expressing my horror that this criminal regime would attack our trusted and esteemed Library of Congress. I am retired now so any action I take will not cause me to lose my job.  Having said this I can be as outspoken as I like to demand action on this attack on our libraries. We must act now .  Please advise me on what further steps I can take.

    Claire Rafferty Gallam



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    Claire Gallam
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Firing the Librarian of Congress

    Posted May 10, 2025 05:46 AM
    I'm angry, heartbroken,  and disgusted. I read that Trump doesn't have the authority to terminate Dr. Hayden, and if that is the case, I hope she fights back.

    In every article and interview I've read or watched, Dr. Hayden exudes library joy.  I imagine she's reeling from this, so my thoughts are with her and for her.

    Cassie Owens Moore
    Certified School Librarian, Seneca Middle School
    2025 Travelers Award for Teaching Excellence
    2025 Community Educator Award
    2024 South Carolina Outstanding Library Program of the Year
    2021-2022 Oconee District Teacher of the Year
    Intellectual Freedom Chair, SC Association of School Librarians

    Phone: 864-718-5257

    "Once you learn to read, you will forever be free."  Frederick Douglass



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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Firing the Librarian of Congress

    Posted May 14, 2025 08:47 AM
    It is absolutely outrageous. But as with everything regarding this administration, if you want to understand it, just follow the money. 

    And I can see where the money is in this move...From Wikipedia: "The librarian of Congress is the head of the Library of Congress, appointed by the president of the United States with the advice and consent of the United States Senate,[2] for a term of ten years.[3] The librarian of Congress also appoints and oversees the Register of Copyrights of the U.S. Copyright Office and has broad responsibilities around copyright, extending to electronic resources and fair use provisions outlined in the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. The librarian determines whether particular works are subject to DMCA prohibitions regarding technological access protection.[4][5]"

    It's nothing more than one more step toward a fascist state. 



    Randy Ebert (he/him/his) 

    Public Service Manager | Administration
    The Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County
    305 Wick Ave. | Youngstown, OH 44503
    O: 330.744.8636 x51658 | M: 757.685.3287





    Original Message