HPL Wins Intellectual Freedom Award
The 2017 Illinois Library Association Intellectual Freedom Award was awarded to the Hinsdale Public Library. The award, presented by the ILA Intellectual Freedom Committee, recognizes an individual or group for outstanding contributions in defending intellectual freedom or the advancement of these principles. The Library was recognized for hosting the musical event “Freedom Sings®” which celebrates this freedom through song. The Library partnered with the Hinsdale Public Library Foundation and The Hinsdalean in presenting this inspiring program, championing the First Amendment and the freedoms it protects.
The Intellectual Freedom Committee wrote, “In a time when any library might reasonably question whether an event is going to be a possible “conflict,” or raise a “red flag,” this library staff didn’t pause but instead pushed forward to remind us that the right to express oneself can be enjoyable and uniting instead of dangerous and dividing.”
This award is sponsored by Quality Books, Inc.