RMRT (Retired Members Round Table)

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The Retired Members Round Table (RMRT) shall exist to develop programs of particular interest to retired persons from all types of libraries and all forms of library services, including formal opportunities for continued involvement and learning; a variety of leadership training and opportunities for mentoring; lifelong professional involvement and networking; and active engagement in the American Library Association and the profession of librarianship.

Visit the Retired Members Round Table (RMRT) on the ALA website.

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Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) at ALA

  • 1.  Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) at ALA

    Posted Jun 24, 2025 06:54 PM

    Dear RMRT Members,

    I will be representing you at the annual FTRF board meeting being held on Thursday, June 26.  After ALA, I will submit a report to the Round Table.

    If you are attending ALA, I would like to spotlight the intellectual freedom focused events below that will be held at the conference.

    Best,

    Judi Moreillon, RMRT Liaison to FTRF

    The Intellectual Freedom Awards program will be held on Friday, June 27th at 7:30 p.m. at the Philadelphia Marriott, Salon E

    Leading with the Freedom to Read Foundation 
    and a Call to Action

    You are invited to the Freedom to Read Foundation's President's Program
    In Person at ALA Annual 2025! Saturday, June 28, 1-2 p.m. PCC Room 107

    FTRF President Sophia Sotilleo brings together a dynamic group of panelists to discuss First Amendment rights, how they look different in different sectors, and how our staff, members, and colleagues are dealing with challenges to their intellectual freedom. The panelists will also showcase the stellar work that has been done to champion First Amendment Rights, especially by those in our library community. We are honored that author Maia Kobabe will join us as a panelist. You will leave this program with knowledge of ways to move forward and tackle these issues with the support of each other and the support and expertise of the Foundation.  Whether you are a long-time member or being introduced to FTRF for the first time, our mission is clear - Free People Read Freely®.

    FTRF Sponsored Art Installation at ALA Annual
    Since its debut, Writer's Block has traveled to Berlin's Jewish Museum, Budapest's National Library, and the Boston Public Library-keeping the conversation alive. FTRF is a proud sponsor of this important art installation at #ALAAC25
    Writers Block, Sheryl Oring's installation of sculptural cages filled with typewriters from the 1920's and 1930's, is intended to promote greater examination of contemporary threats to freedom of expression. Freedom of expression isn't guaranteed. It's defended.

    Banned Books From the Big Chair
    We're bringing back the immensely popular Banned Books From the Big Chair video read-out  -  and we need your help to make it happen! We need volunteers to collect release forms, to help attendees find the perfect banned book to read and to move people through the booth. This is a great opportunity to network, talk up your group or round table, and meet other attendees.  We expect some authors will also pop in, so you might have a chance to talk to them as well!

    The ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom published a blog post to related to conference events focused on intellectual freedom, privacy, and advocacy:

    https://www.oif.ala.org/your-guide-to-intellectual-freedom-privacy-and-advocacy-at-ala-annual-2025/



    ------------------------------
    Judi Moreillon, M.L.S., Ph.D.
    Literacies and Libraries Author and Consultant
    She/Her/Hers
    info@storytrail.com
    http://storytrail.com
    ------------------------------