Gimme Shelter: Book Sanctuaries in Public Libraries

February 27, 2025

3:30 PM ET

The book sanctuary movement began in September 2022 when the City of Chicago and the Chicago Public Library declared themselves a space for endangered stories and called for others to do the same. Since then, other institutions and organizations have followed suit to support intellectual freedom by collecting and protecting endangered books, making those books broadly accessible, and educating others on the history of book banning and burning. This virtual panel opens the discussion for Canadian library and information professionals to learn from established book sanctuaries in Calgary, Chicago, Innisfil, Ottawa, and Toronto, and strategize ways to contribute to the cause. Presented by The Partnership and hosted by The Education Institute / OLA. Please note: Connection instructions will be emailed to registrants 1 - 3 business days prior to the event date. Featuring: - Stephen Gibbs, Manager of Digital Resources, Calgary Public Library - Lindsay Laren, Assistant Commissioner, Collections, Content and Access, Chicago Public Library - Mandy Pethick, Director, Public and Information Services, Innisfil ideaLAB and Library - Sarah MacIntyre, Division Manager, Client Services, Ottawa Public Library - Matt Abbott, Senior Manager, Collection Development, Toronto Public Library