Category Archives: Freedom of Speech

Freedom to Read

Posted on April 16, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

During National Library Week, the American Library Association released its annual Top Ten List of Frequently Challenged Books . American libraries continue to face challenges—including the potential for censorship—to a variety of books, programs and periodicals. The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom … Continue reading →

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Libraries Lead

Posted on April 7, 2018 by Brian D. Butler

April 8-14 is National Library Week in the United States, an annual celebration of the life-changing work of libraries, librarians and library workers. Libraries aren’t just places to borrow books, study ,or get out of the rain—they’re also creative and … Continue reading →

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Resist Much, Obey Little

Posted on September 27, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

In recognition of Banned Books Week, here are some quotes from surprising literary works that have been banned or censored over the years.

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Words Have Power

Posted on September 22, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Libraries, booksellers, publishers, schools, writers’ groups, and other organizations in North America are gearing up to mark Banned Books Week 2017, which runs from September 24 to the 30th. Many bookshops and libraries have gotten a jump on the upcoming … Continue reading →

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Resist Periodically

Posted on July 5, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Last January, I posted a story about RESIST! magazine, which was launched to coincide with the women’s marches against the illegitimate Trump regime. The editors Françoise Mouly and Nadia Spiegelman issued a second edition of the protest magazine on the … Continue reading →

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It’s Still 1984

Posted on June 10, 2017 by Brian D. Butler
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It’s Always 1984 Somewhere

Posted on June 9, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

This week marks the 68th anniversary of the publication of George Orwell’s iconic dystopian novel 1984. In the extraordinary political environment that we now find ourselves, with Orwellian Newspeak the policy of the U.S. government and “alternative facts” flouted by an illegitimate regime, the … Continue reading →

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Celebrate May Day

Posted on May 1, 2017 by Brian D. Butler
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A Travel Guru To Follow

Posted on April 23, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

For more than three decades North American travelers have been getting advice on European tourism from a folksy, easy-going travel writer named Rick Steves. Over the years, Rick’s best-selling guidebooks and popular Public Television travelogues have encouraged millions of Americans … Continue reading →

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Words Have Power

Posted on April 13, 2017 by Brian D. Butler

Each year, the American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom calculates the Top Ten Most Challenged Books. Here’s the just released list for 2016: This One Summer written by Mariko Tamaki and illustrated by Jillian Tamaki This young adult graphic novel, … Continue reading →

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