“Freedom to Read: Responding to Proposed Restrictions on Libraries” is the topic of the next Plain Conversation, an educational forum sponsored by the Sioux County Democrats. Amanda Vazquez, library director for the Dubuque County Library District in eastern Iowa, will share her perspective and answer questions from the audience on Thursday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. The online event will stream live on the Sioux County Democrats Facebook page (facebook.com/siouxcountydemocrats).
This year, legislatures around the country—including in Iowa—are considering bills that would restrict what items can be on the shelves of public and school libraries. Vazquez will provide an update on the legislation being considered, why it’s concerning, and how people can advocate for the freedom to read and learn.
Prior to directing the Dubuque County Library, Vazquez served as the director of the Orange City Public Library. She is a member of the executive board of the American Library Association’s Intellectual Freedom Round Table, as well as of the Iowa Library Association, for which she chairs the ILA’s Intellectual Freedom Committee.