[Libs-Or] ALA Condemns Threats of Violence in Libraries

[Diedre Conkling]

The past months have seen threats directed to public and school libraries
and library workers, including the forced temporary closure of five
metropolitan libraries due to bomb and shooting threats.

Today, the executive board of the American Library Association (ALA)
transmitted a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray expressing our
concerns about the threats directed to public and school libraries and
library workers. According to library directors and local officials, there
is no evidence at this time showing a direct connection between last week's
threats and opposition to library materials and programs. However, our
letter to Director Wray does underscore the increasing threats of violence
to libraries and library workers nationwide.

 The safety of our members is our utmost priority. We encourage directors,
supervisors and managers to review your institution's safety procedures
with all staff so that everyone knows how to respond if they receive a
threat or are threatened directly. In addition to notifying local law
enforcement, we suggest you file a report with the FBI (
https://tips.fbi.gov/) and then to notify ALA at notify at ala.org. We also
recommend that institutions review their protocols for responding to the
media in the event of such emergencies.

 We, your colleagues and representatives on the ALA Board, are inspired by
the work you are doing in these difficult times. An attack on any library
or library worker is an attack on our profession. Know that your
professional association stands behind you and is addressing our shared
concerns with federal law enforcement.

To review the full letter please click here, https://bit.ly/3Cd0oEK

------------------------------
Lessa Kanani'opua Pelayo-Lozada
ALA President, 2022-2023
Adult Services Assistant Manager, Palos Verdes Public Library
She/Her/Hers
-- 
*Diedre Conkling*
*diedre08 at gmail.com* <diedre08 at gmail.com>

“If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change
your attitude.”―Maya Angelou
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