September 26, 2024

Banned Books Week: Philomena Polefrone and the ABA's fight to Protect Free Expression

37 minutes

In this episode, Philomena Polefrone, PhD discusses her role in advocating for intellectual freedom through the ABA. The conversation touches on book bans, censorship, and the role of bookstores as spaces for activism. The discussion covers the history of book bans, grassroots organizing, and the legal challenges involved in defending diverse literature.

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About Philomena:

Philomena Polefrone is the Advocacy Associate Manager at the American Booksellers Association, where she champions intellectual freedom and free expression. With a background in bookselling and a decade in academia, Philomena brings a unique perspective to her work, blending literature and activism. She leads initiatives like the Set Books Free Project, aimed at combating book bans and promoting access to diverse, often censored literature. Her passion for defending the right to read makes her a key advocate in the fight against censorship.

Books discussed on today’s episode:

Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell

The 1619 Project by Caitlin Roper, Ilena Silverman & Jake Silverstein

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

Temple Folk by Aaliyah Bilal

Catalina by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio

...more

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