The last several years have seen a marked increase in attempts to ban books, especially through challenges to school and public library collections. From 2022 to 2023, the American Library Association reported a 92% increase in the number of individual titles challenged in public libraries. Recent book challenges often include many books at once and often target books that explore themes of race or LGBTQ+ identity.

The Newton Human Rights Commission and Newton Free Library invite the community to a panel discussion about book banning and censorship today - and why these issues matter. The panel will provide context to book bans and explore the importance of intellectual freedom. Panelists will discuss the impact of book bans on readers, students, authors, and librarians - and explain how librarians use their professional training to build library collections. Join us to learn about this topic and ask your questions about censorship and the freedom to read.

Panelists:

• Susan Caulfield, Adult Services Librarian, Newton Free Library & Co-Chair of the Intellectual Freedom Committee, Massachusetts Library Association
• Jean Stehle, Middle School Librarian, Oak Hill Middle School & Bookfluencer 
• State Representative Ruth Balser, 12^th Middlesex District

Moderator: Rabbi Keith Stern, Chair, Human Rights Commission