Intellectual Freedom Teen Meetup
** Formerly the Intellectual Freedom Teen Council (IFTC) **
Join to discuss intellectual freedom issues, your favorite books, and all-things BPL's Books Unbanned initiative. Connect with peers across the country and learn how you can support youth in protecting the right to read whatever they choose.
Please register by 4 pm EST to receive a Zoom link the day of the meetup.
In honor of National Library Week (04.07.24-04.13.24) and in observance of the two-year mark of Books Unbanned, we will be hosting several guests for an interactive panel during this month's meetup.
Special Guests:
Jackson Gomes (he/him) is the Young Adult Internship Coordinator for Brooklyn Public Library. Jackson brings a rich tapestry of experience and dedication to his role. Originally from the Cape Verde Islands, he immigrated to the United States at the age of ten, finding solace and opportunity within the welcoming embrace of the Brooklyn Public Library.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Jackson is a key figure in Brooklyn’s nationally recognized Books Unbanned project, advocating for young adults facing book banning in their states and facilitating access to digital library resources. The program's success is due in part to partnerships with libraries across the country. In recognition of its impact, the program was awarded Library Journal’s prestigious 2023 Librarian(s) of the Year award.
Currently enrolled in the Pathway to Leadership Scholars program offered by Brooklyn Public Library, Jackson is pursuing his lifelong dream of obtaining a master's degree in library science.
Christopher Lau (he/him) a high school student hailing from Queens, New York, is a passionate advocate for diverse literature in the face of book bans, particularly those targeting marginalized communities. Witnessing the alarming surge of book bans sweeping across the nation, Christopher utilizes his editing/social media skills to raise awareness and spark conversations. Through his YouTube channel, UNBAN COOLIES, he conducts interviews with a panel of diverse authors and librarians shedding light on the consequences of book bans and amplifying the voices of those affected. Through these insightful discussions, Christopher aims to broaden perspectives and inspire action.
During his quest to advocate for diversity in literature, Christopher discovered a critical issue closer to home: the absence of a certified librarian at his own high school. Recognizing the profound impact this absence had on students' access to resources and knowledge, he was inspired to fill this void by repurposing the author interviews and creating an Author Series. This free series offers valuable resources for all libraries and schools, enhancing library circulation, supporting educational curriculums, and especially aiding schools with limited funding for in-person author visits.
Courtney Pentland (she/her) is a high school librarian in Nebraska. She is adjunct faculty for the University of Nebraska-Omaha School Library program and has served on the Nebraska School Librarians Association board as board member at large, president, and chapter delegate to the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). She is the 2023-2024 AASL President.
Moderator: Arna Asad (she/her) is a high school senior from Bangladesh who is on her way to Smith College! She is an intern for BPL, collaborating with other teen interns for the Freedom To Read Advocacy Institute. Arna is profusely passionate about kids having access to any and all books, and can spend hours debating the importance of libraries!
** Formerly the Intellectual Freedom Teen Council (IFTC) **
Join to discuss intellectual freedom issues, your favorite books, and all-things BPL's Books Unbanned initiative. Connect with peers across the country and learn how you can support youth in protecting the right to read whatever they choose.
Please register by 4 pm EST to receive a Zoom link the day of the meetup.
In honor of National Library Week (04.07.24-04.13.24) and in observance of the two-year mark of Books Unbanned, we will be hosting several guests for an interactive panel during this month's meetup.
Special Guests:
Jackson Gomes (he/him) is the Young Adult Internship Coordinator for Brooklyn Public Library. Jackson brings a rich tapestry of experience and dedication to his role. Originally from the Cape Verde Islands, he immigrated to the United States at the age of ten, finding solace and opportunity within the welcoming embrace of the Brooklyn Public Library.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Jackson is a key figure in Brooklyn’s nationally recognized Books Unbanned project, advocating for young adults facing book banning in their states and facilitating access to digital library resources. The program's success is due in part to partnerships with libraries across the country. In recognition of its impact, the program was awarded Library Journal’s prestigious 2023 Librarian(s) of the Year award.
Currently enrolled in the Pathway to Leadership Scholars program offered by Brooklyn Public Library, Jackson is pursuing his lifelong dream of obtaining a master's degree in library science.
Christopher Lau (he/him) a high school student hailing from Queens, New York, is a passionate advocate for diverse literature in the face of book bans, particularly those targeting marginalized communities. Witnessing the alarming surge of book bans sweeping across the nation, Christopher utilizes his editing/social media skills to raise awareness and spark conversations. Through his YouTube channel, UNBAN COOLIES, he conducts interviews with a panel of diverse authors and librarians shedding light on the consequences of book bans and amplifying the voices of those affected. Through these insightful discussions, Christopher aims to broaden perspectives and inspire action.
During his quest to advocate for diversity in literature, Christopher discovered a critical issue closer to home: the absence of a certified librarian at his own high school. Recognizing the profound impact this absence had on students' access to resources and knowledge, he was inspired to fill this void by repurposing the author interviews and creating an Author Series. This free series offers valuable resources for all libraries and schools, enhancing library circulation, supporting educational curriculums, and especially aiding schools with limited funding for in-person author visits.
Courtney Pentland (she/her) is a high school librarian in Nebraska. She is adjunct faculty for the University of Nebraska-Omaha School Library program and has served on the Nebraska School Librarians Association board as board member at large, president, and chapter delegate to the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). She is the 2023-2024 AASL President.
Moderator: Arna Asad (she/her) is a high school senior from Bangladesh who is on her way to Smith College! She is an intern for BPL, collaborating with other teen interns for the Freedom To Read Advocacy Institute. Arna is profusely passionate about kids having access to any and all books, and can spend hours debating the importance of libraries!
Brooklyn Public Library - Virtual MM/DD/YYYY 60