Do you have a favorite public library intellectual freedom fighter?

The Public Library Association is now accepting nominations for the Gordon M. Conable Award for public libraries and intellectual freedom.

Eligible nominees include public library staff member, library trustees, or specific public libraries.

The recipient of the Gordon M. Conable Award must have demonstrated a commitment to intellectual freedom and the Library Bill of Rights in various ways, including, but not limited, to the following:

• developed and promoted collections that include diverse points of view; 
• provided programs that promote community dialog on controversial issues; 
• created and nurtured an organizational climate that fosters an understanding of the Library Bill of Rights amongst the library staff, library board, and elected and appointed officials; 
• initiated activities at the local, state, or national level that promote, support, or defend intellectual freedom, the Library Bill of Rights, or the First Amendment; 
• guaranteed open access to library materials and services for children and young adults; 
• guaranteed open access to electronic information; 
• defended library materials, programs, or services when confronted with a censorship challenge. 

Further details are available on PLA's website. Nominations are open until Dec. 1.