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GETTING STARTED

Efforts Are Being Made to Censor Materials in My Public or School Library in Louisiana.
What Can I Do?

You’ve come to the right place! Read on to find more about how to get started working against censorship in your community.
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1. Contact LaCAC! Use our Google form HERE. We can walk you through the rest of the process and answer any questions you might have. We can also connect you with our state- and nationwide network of like minded volunteers, organizations, and resources.

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2. Create a Facebook group. We’ve found social media to be the best way to reach as many people as possible who oppose censorship but may not know what is going on in their local library. Start with a Facebook group, but you can also use Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, or any other social media accounts to get information out to the public about upcoming meetings, agenda items, censorship efforts, and more.

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3. Educate yourself. Find out everything you can about your local library Board of Control (for public libraries) and School Board (for school libraries). When do they meet? Who are their members? How are the members appointed? How can the members be contacted (email addresses, phone numbers, etc.)?

 

4. Start attending meetings. All boards of control and school boards meet on a regular basis, and those meetings are, by law, open to the public. (LA RS 42:11)  In addition, the agendas for those meetings, by law, must be posted at least 24 hours in advance, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays (LA RS 42:19). Get a copy of the agenda, familiarize yourself with the issues being discussed, and make plans to attend. Encourage as many others as possible to attend as well.

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5. Speak up! All boards of control and school boards must allow public comment on items being voted upon. (LA RS 42:14-15). You are usually allowed 3 minutes to voice your concerns about the items being discussed. Feel free to use our Guide for tips on how to structure comments. You can even write your comments and simply read them. 

 

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That’s it! You’re on your way. The rest is building awareness, a network of like-minded citizens who understand the dangers of censorship to ALL library patrons, and the willingness to stand up for what’s right. Over time, as more people become aware of the problem, your network of supporters will grow. We are always available for help, advice, and consultation!
 
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