Preparing for Intellectual Freedom Questions in the Community
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By Shannon M. Schultz, Director, South Central Library System
As a public library trustee in Wisconsin, you play a vital role not only in governance but also as an ambassador for your library in the community. Conversations about intellectual freedom, library relevance, and collection practices often happen outside of board meetings—sometimes at the grocery store, in a coffee shop, or at a neighborhood event. Being prepared for those moments builds trust with the public and demonstrates the library’s commitment to transparency and its mission.
Here are three key strategies to help you prepare:
Have an Elevator Speech—and REHEARSE It
An elevator speech is a clear, 30–60 second statement that summarizes the library’s mission and values. When community members ask questions about library collections, book challenges, or programming decisions, a trustee’s response should be concise, confident, and consistent with library policy.
- Keep it values-based: Emphasize that libraries provide free access to information, serve diverse community needs, and protect the right of individuals to make their own choices as to what to watch, listen to, and read”?
- Make it personal: Share why you serve as a trustee and why intellectual freedom matters to you and your community.
- Practice out loud: Rehearse your speech until it feels natural. Practicing with fellow trustees or library staff can help you refine your words and gain confidence.
Consider the following examples of elevator speeches. Your elevator speech should feel natural for you, and your library board may wish to agree on what type of elevator speech sets the proper tone in your community.
This elevator speech generally and formally addresses the importance of intellectual freedom:
“Intellectual freedom is the cornerstone of democracy—and in Wisconsin, our public libraries are on the front lines of protecting it. By ensuring access to a broad range of ideas, viewpoints, and information, libraries empower individuals to think critically, make informed decisions, and participate fully in civic life. In a time when books are being challenged and diverse voices silenced, defending intellectual freedom in our public libraries isn’t just about books—it’s about safeguarding the rights of every Wisconsinite to read, learn, and grow without censorship.”
This elevator speech is specific to the library board member’s point of view:
“As a public library trustee, I’m proud that our library is here to serve everyone in the community. We provide free access to books, technology, and information in many formats—print, digital, and online. Our role isn’t to decide what people should or shouldn’t read, but to make sure people have the freedom to make their own choices. We also have clear policies in place if anyone has concerns about materials. The library belongs to the whole community, and our job is to keep it welcoming, relevant, and accessible to all.”
And, last, a condensed version:
“Our library serves everyone by providing free access to books, technology, and information. We don’t decide what people should read—we make sure everyone has the freedom to choose, and we have clear policies if concerns come up.”
Once you have settled on an elevator speech that fits your style and tone, be sure to practice it until it becomes comfortable for you to deliver with confidence.
Know and Understand Your Library’s Reconsideration Policy.
Book challenges and questions about library collections are increasingly common. As a trustee, you don’t make decisions about specific titles—but you must understand and support the process the library uses to review concerns.
- Familiarize yourself with your library’s policy: Know how community members can submit a formal request for reconsideration and what steps follow.
- Emphasize fairness and transparency: Policies ensure that concerns are addressed respectfully, systematically, and without personal bias.
- Stay in your role: Trustees support policy and governance; staff handle daily operations and specific reconsideration requests. Promptly refer anyone expressing concerns about materials and collections to the library director.
- Be consistent: When speaking in the community, direct people to the established process rather than offering personal opinions about particular materials.
Trustees are the library’s bridge to the community. By having a practiced elevator speech, anticipating tough questions, and being well-versed in the library’s reconsideration policy, trustees can engage confidently, reinforce public trust, and advocate for the enduring importance of intellectual freedom.