Confronting Censorship and Book Bans: A Screening of "The Librarians" and a Discussion with Local Experts

About this event

Large Meeting Room. For Banned Books Week, join us for the screening of The Librarian, a Sundance premiere documentary exploring censorship and book banning in Texas, Florida, and other states as librarians, community members, and young readers combat and defend intellectual freedom on the front lines of democracy. After the screening, there will be a discussion with local experts. Doors open at 5:15 PM Screening starts at 5:30 PM Panel Discussion starts at 7:00 PM Registration is not required, but space is limited. Seating will be first-come, first-served. About the Panelists: Dr. Tanisha Brandon-Felder is the director of PreK and Elementary Success in the Highline School District. She was the Director of Equitable Leadership, Pedagogy and Family Engagement in the Shoreline School District for 8 years as well as a classroom teacher in the Seattle Public Schools for 16 years in one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the country. Dr. Brandon-Felder specializes in race and equity, culturally responsive practices and, primarily the opportunity gap occurring with Black and Brown students. Gavin Downing has been in education for nearly 20 years, and a teacher-librarian for more than 12. He successfully stopped an attempt to ban books in his school library in 2022, and has been recognized by both the Washington Library Association and the Washington Education Association for his work. Kelly Jones was a public librarian and a bookseller. Now, she’s best known as the author of the Unusual Chickens series. Her books for young people have received a wide range of honors, but the letters she receives from kids around the world telling her about their chickens and their stories are her favorites. Kelly grew up in northern California and now lives near Seattle, where she and her husband take care of a few hilarious chickens. Kelly strongly believes that everyone should see themselves in books; she serves on the national board of Authors Against Book Bans. About the Moderator: Brenna…

Description from kcls.bibliocommons.com