Learn about the foundations of Intellectual Freedom.
You can attend this program online or in person. To take part online, register by using the “Register Here for Online Access” link above.
What is Intellectual Freedom? What is censorship? How does this relate to you as a community member? How does it relate to libraries? In this presentation, Emily O’Neal, Technical Services Manager at the Deschutes Public Library, will take you through the foundations of Intellectual Freedom and how it relates to libraries. Specifics will be shared regarding the increase in book challenges and the rise of censorship in libraries and what members of our community can do to help combat these occurrences.
Emily O’Neal has been a member of the Oregon Intellectual Freedom Committee (OIFC) since October 2020, and began serving as Chair of the OIFC since 2020-Present. Among her roles with the OIFC, Emily has been a champion supporter of intellectual freedom, supporting libraries against book challenges across the state including drafting written statements, attending board meetings and speaking out in support of intellectual freedom, as well as offering trainings to school and library districts, at library conferences, and within a variety of community organizations. When not championing for intellectual freedom rights, Emily enjoys teaching dance or spending time outdoors hiking, snowboarding, rock climbing and paddle boarding with her husband and two dogs.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Oregon (OLLI-UO) in Central Oregon invites community members to participate in our Friday Talks in partnership with the Deschutes Public Library. OLLI-UO is an intellectual and social community of engaged adult learners, connecting members to university faculty and professionals in respective fields. A six-month or yearlong membership allows participation in a variety of lectures, courses, peer-led study and discussion groups, educational tours, field trips, and social events.