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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.  Patmos library

    Posted Aug 04, 2022 11:20 AM
    News about the Patmos Library in Jamestown Township, Michigan.  Voters rejected a ballot measure to renew a property tax that funds the public library. They want to defund the library because of the presence of LGBTQ+ books. A GoFundMe has been set up to help raise money for the library.

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    Amy Dodson
    Executive Director
    Fox River Valley Public Library District
    She/Her/Hers
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  • 2.  RE: Patmos library

    Posted Aug 04, 2022 11:47 AM
    I am very concerned about what happened with this library's millage vote.  But I am not sure that donating to a GoFundMe to keep the library open is the best way to respond.   In reading about the election results it was clear that the people interviewed don't expect the library to close.  They expect the library to remove the titles they don't like and go for another millage.   The article I read said the library has enough funding now to stay open through fall of 2023.

    I'd happily donate to a citizens group working to restore the millage while the library retains all of its collection, or to help the library fund an election after they've had time to strategize and re-group.  But donating to the library to keep the doors open I'm not so sure about.    Seems like it could back fire.  I would love to hear why I am wrong to have these concerns though.  This is my gut reaction and I am open to being convinced otherwise.  How can the library community, in MI and nationally, best support this library?

    Eileen

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    Eileen M. Palmer
    Executive Director
    LMxAC Libraries of Middlesex

    empalmer@lmxac.org
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