Mayor Teague Proclaims September to be Freedom to Read Month

This year, the Iowa City Public Library is partnering with the City of Iowa City Equity and Human Rights Department to celebrate the freedom to read and access information through programs and shared events. 

We are delighted that Mayor Teague and the City of Iowa City Council announced September to be Freedom to Read Month as it combines traditional intiatives like Library Card Sign Up Month and Banned Books Week into a resounding and relevant call to action and reminder that free people read freely. 

Freedom to Read Month Proclamation  

WHEREAS, the freedom of information is an integral part of the fundamental right of freedom of expression, as recognized by resolution 59 of the UN General Assembly adopted in 1946, as well as by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948;  

WHEREAS, the fundamental right of freedom of expression encompasses the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media or format;  

WHEREAS, the freedom of expression is the cornerstone of democracy, which allows individuals and groups to enjoy several other human rights and freedoms;  

WHEREAS, libraries are cornerstones of democracy, promoting the free exchange of information and ideas for all;  

WHEREAS, a library card empowers all people to explore new passions and interests and to pursue a path of lifelong learning;  

WHEREAS, libraries contribute to equity providing broad access to expensive resources including subscription-based news, learning, and research databases as well as internet access; 

WHEREAS, libraries play a crucial role in the education and development of all ages, from storytimes for preschoolers to college and career planning for high schoolers, as well as navigating the complexities of life by providing access to research, information, and government services that allow everyone to lead more productive and fulfilling lives;  

WHEREAS, libraries are welcoming and inclusive spaces for people of all backgrounds to learn together and engage with one another across cultural, ethnic, generational, and economic lines, strengthening the social fabric of the communities they serve;  

WHEREAS, libraries provide unaccountable hours of entertainment and recreation which enhance the quality of life to all; 

WHEREAS, libraries strive to develop and maintain programs and collections that are as diverse as the populations they serve and ensure equity of access for all;  

WHEREAS, libraries contribute to a strong local economy by providing access to the technology and training that are critical to the success of job-seekers, entrepreneurs, and students;  

WHEREAS, in times of crisis, libraries and library professionals play an invaluable role in supporting their communities both in person and virtually;  

WHEREAS, the shared resources libraries offer reduce the number of items households buy and dispose of, providing a simple way to save money, conserve resources, and reduce waste;  

THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Bruce Teague, City of Iowa City Mayor, proclaim September to be Freedom to Read Month in Iowa City, Iowa, and encourage everyone to celebrate their intellectual freedom and uphold their Freedom to Read by signing up for their own library card and visiting the Iowa City Public Library and ICPL Bookmobile frequently.