Darien Library has received the Connecticut State Library Excellence in Public Libraries Award for Civic Champion in recognition of the Library’s recent President’s Series on Intellectual Freedom.
This Award recognizes public libraries that demonstrate exceptional work in serving their community. This is the first year the Award has been presented.
The four-part President’s Series was a response to the national debate on censorship, free expression, and civil liberties in American institutions. The Library hosted three legal experts who explained the nuances and impact of book banning and other limiters on free speech.
Image from Darien Library video
Attorney Floyd Abrams spoke about the First Amendment.
The series ran between October 2023 and January 2024. A total of 1,384 people attended or watched the recording of the lectures. The presentations can be viewed here.
“This unique series of events not only explored issues of civil liberties and free expression but also epitomized the type of robust and respectful dialogue that is a hallmark of healthy civic engagement,” said library Director Kiera Parrott.
“Here at Darien Library, we strive to create opportunities for learning, conversation, and community connection; this award is a meaningful recognition that our efforts are resonating and having a positive impact.”
Finding ideological threads of commonality — such as support for personal liberty and personal responsibility — enabled the library to present a program that appealed to and reflected a wide range of views while also supporting and uplifting one of Darien Library’s fundamental values: intellectual freedom. The Award recognizes Darien Library as a leader in this national conversation, and one that begins locally.
The series featured Aaron Terr from FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression), who addressed the question of book bans and cancel culture, using examples from both the political right and left. Terr is a lawyer and advocate for intellectual freedom and civil liberty who offered a national overview.
His presentation detailed why and how advocacy groups are responding to censorship attempts, and he answered questions and concerns about the complex intersections of rights, ideology, and the role of public institutions.
Beau Breslin, the Joseph C. Palamountain Jr. Professor of Government at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York, examined the words and meaning of the Bill of Rights, the implications and consequences of key First Amendment legal decisions, and the possibilities and hopes for a freer future.
Floyd Abrams, known as “the First Amendment Lawyer,” has been shaping the landscape of free expression since the 1960s. His landmark cases, from the Pentagon Papers to Clearview AI, have been critical in defining free speech for Americans across the country.
Abrams has argued a record-breaking 13 cases before the Supreme Court and was named a PBS American Master. Abrams concluded the series, drawing a standing-only crowd.
In addition, a screening of the documentary film “Judy Blume Forever” explored the author’s commitment to openly discussing taboo subjects, challenging societal norms, and sparking essential conversations about book banning, censorship, and teen development through her novels.
Blume is the author of enduring books such as Forever; Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret; Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing; and Superfudge.
The President’s Series was a collaborative venture among Parrott; the library’s Head of Adult Programming, Pat Sheary and her team; and Hutch Pegler, president of Darien Library’s Board of Trustees.
About Darien Library
Darien Library is among the busiest libraries in the state, with over 1,300 people visiting on an average day and the highest per capita circulation of items in Connecticut. The library collection includes 125,000 books and 300 newspaper and magazine subscriptions.
In addition, the library presents over 1,500 public events annually, hosting a lineup of bestselling authors, technology classes, early literacy programs, and workshops for small business owners and entrepreneurs.