Intellectual Freedom Festival

The Carol Spaziani Intellectual Freedom Festival affirms everyone's right to freedom of thought and expression.

What is Intellectual Freedom?

Intellectual Freedom is a basic human right, defined by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. The American Library Association affirms Intellectual Freedom as a basis for our democratic system and recognizes the important role libraries play in Intellectual Freedom issues. In order to be responsible citizens who have the ability to self-govern, we must be well-informed. Libraries provide information, ideas and resources in a variety of formats, enabling an informed citizenry.

About the Festival

In 1995, we established the annual Carol Spaziani Intellectual Freedom Festival to honor Carol's 27-year career at ICPL and life-long commitment to the freedom of ideas. Spaziani believed that the public library's role is to be a resource and a forum for an individual's pursuit and expression of diverse points of view. A Library committee monitors current intellectual freedom issues and plans programs of interest for area residents. Celebrate your intellectual freedom and head to the Library for programs and discussions.

ICPL Board Supports Intellectual Freedom

The ICPL Board fully supports Intellectual Freedom which is a core value of ICPL and of the American Library Association. They stand in solidarity with libraries and library workers facing challenges and censorship.
Board statement on intellectual freedom

Exhibit

Suspended: Systemic Oppression in our Schools

Elements of the criminal justice system have entered public schools around the country, resulting in zero tolerance policies and student policing that disproportionately affect children of color. Visit Suspended to learn more and explore ways to dismantle systems that feed the school to prison pipeline.

This original exhibit developed by the African American Museum of Iowa is on display at ICPL from September 1 to November 30, 2023.