91´«Ã½

CHICAGO – The 91´«Ã½ Intellectual Freedom Round Table (IFRT) is pleased to announce Amanda Jones, as the recipient of the 2023 John Phillip Immroth Memorial Award for notable contributions to intellectual freedom and demonstrations of personal courage in defense of freedom of expression.

Jones, a school librarian in Louisiana, spoke up against censorship and book bans at her local public library, addressing the rights of BIPOC and LGBTQ people, to read ideas and information that was meaningful to them. As a result, she became the target of harassment, slander and threats and was ostracized by her town. She responded with , a , co-founded and fought back, gaining . She is a 22-year educator and a former 7th and 8th grade ELA teacher. She has a Masters +30, is a certified K-12 librarian, certified 1-8 elementary teacher, certified school administrator and certified reading specialist. She is currently the president of the Louisiana Association of School Librarians.

Established in 1979, upon the death of John Phillip Immroth, the Immroth Memorial Award honors notable contributions to intellectual freedom and demonstrations of personal courage in defense of freedom of expression by a living individual, group, or organization. The award consists of a citation and $500. Members of the John Phillip Immroth Memorial Award Committee are Chair Wanda Mae Huffaker, Mrs. Sarah Beverly Burchart, Michael D. Kirby, Dr. Jennifer E. Steele.

INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM ROUND TABLE The provides a forum for the discussion of activities, programs and problems in intellectual freedom of libraries and librarians; serves as a channel of communication on intellectual freedom matters; promotes a greater opportunity for involvement among the members of the 91´«Ã½ in defense of intellectual freedom; and promotes a greater feeling of responsibility in the implementation of 91´«Ã½ policies on intellectual freedom.

AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

The 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, 91´«Ã½ has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit