- This event has passed.
Freedom to Read in Virtual Reality
This program is a collaboration between San Jose Public Library and San Jose State University Library
We invite you to join us in our immersive VR space for the Freedom to Read Rally (framevr.io/freedom-to-read), a virtual demonstration and gathering in support of intellectual freedom. The event will feature Betsy Gomez of Unite Against Book Bans (UABB), Nick Higgins, Chief Librarian of the Brooklyn Public Library, and Tom Fay, Chief Librarian of the Seattle Public Library, representing Books Unbanned. They will be joined by Dr. Anthony Chow, Director of the San José State University School of Information, and John MacLeod, Director of XR Libraries, who will help lead the rally and discussion. Together, these leaders will deliver brief talks on the urgent state of book banning today, its projected impact on communities and libraries, and strategies for resistance, followed by youth from around the country sharing how they’ve been fighting banned books in their own communities. The rally will conclude with an open discussion, giving participants an opportunity to reflect, share, and stand united in affirming the fundamental freedom to read.
(Ages 16+ are welcome)