Public library director to speak on intellectual freedom

Public library director to speak on intellectual freedomSeptember 22, 2005Sara Millersemortim@syr.edu

“The Read Creed: Libraries in the History of Intellectual Freedom” will be the topic when Joyce Latham, executive director of the Onondaga County Public Library, speaks Sept. 29 at 4 p.m., in the Hillyer Room, on the sixth floor of E.S. Bird Library. The lecture is in recognition of Banned Books Week.

Latham came to Syracuse from Illinois, where she pursued doctoral studies at the University of Illinois. Though her research concerns the history of intellectual freedom in public libraries, her experience has focused on expansion of access through automation in libraries.

She will talk about the role that libraries have played in the development and defense of intellectual freedom in America. Professional librarians, whether in public, school or academic settings, have created an ethic as advocates of intellectual access. The history of American libraries, from Chicago to California to Syracuse, is rich with stories of challenge and defense.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will be followed by light refreshments. Paid parking is available in the Marion and Comstock lots.

This event is sponsored in cooperation with the Central New York Chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).