Live Event Tonight - "97 - the Fight for the Freedom to Read" with Author Jodi Picoult

Join EveryLibrary tonight, Thursday, June 29, 2023, at 7 PM EDT, as we showcase the highly anticipated documentary, "97 - the Fight for the Freedom to Read" with author Jodi Picoult, three brave high school graduates from Beaufort fighting censorship and the team at Atomic Focus, the film's producer. 

Please join us at either:

Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/events/589849863292362

YouTube Live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkAAZbH8o_E

Know your timezone for the June 28, 2023 live event:
7pm EDT/ 6pm CDT / 5pm MDT / 4pm PDT

This inspiring documentary, which is in the middle of production, dives into the local story of the struggle to reinstate 97 books that were banned from Beaufort school libraries and the larger national struggle for intellectual freedom and the right to read. It explores the courageous fight put forward by students, families, teachers, librarians, and communities who refuse to stay silent, and the expanding activism of the students as they meet with famous authors, librarians, educators and political leaders on the local, state and national level. It is a gripping testimony to the power of individuals to create meaningful change.

EveryLibrary, the national political action committee for libraries, is delighted to host this event in collaboration with Atomic Focus Entertainment, the production company behind "97 - the Fight for the Freedom to Read". Together, we want to shed light on the importance of intellectual freedom, access to diverse literature, and the pivotal role that libraries play in fostering knowledge, critical thinking, and open dialogue within our communities.

The origin of this documentary stems from recent events in the Beaufort County School District, where 97 books were removed from school libraries when a few parents threatened to file criminal charges against the school board for “disseminating pornography”. The majority of the banned books dealt with themes relating to race, gender identity and sexual orientation. When a group of teenagers led by the three you will meet tonight decided to push back, they united the town of Beaufort and set in motion a journey of activism that has altered their lives, and the lives of those around them.

During the live event, our panelists will delve into the broader implications of book bans, exploring how they impact students' access to diverse perspectives, intellectual growth, and the cultivation of empathy. Jodi Picoult will share her insights as a celebrated author whose work often addresses complex and controversial subjects, while the students will provide firsthand accounts of the challenges they faced and their unwavering commitment to intellectual freedom. Jennifer and Tom Wiggin, two producers of "97", will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the documentary, highlighting the importance of amplifying these stories and their relevance in our rapidly changing world. They will also discuss some of the upcoming plans for completing the film. Finally, John Chrastka, the executive director of EveryLibrary, will share the organization's invaluable work in supporting libraries and advocating for free and open access to information.

We invite you to be a part of this enlightening and lively discussion. Please tune into our Live event on June 29, 2023, at 7 PM EDT 

Please join us at either:

Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/events/589849863292362

YouTube Live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkAAZbH8o_E

Know your timezone for the live event: 7pm EDT/ 6pm CDT / 5pm MDT / 4pm PDT

An on-demand recording of the event will be available at the Facebook and YouTube links immediately after the live event ends.