Let's Talk About

Insight on today’s most pressing issues

Let’s Talk About events are 90-minute forums designed to provide you with a welcoming space to learn about and discuss local and global issues that are often difficult to talk about.

  • Get facts from various perspectives on the front lines
  • Use the opportunity to ask a question that concerns you

Let's Talk About: Banned Books
In 2021, the American Library Association's Office of Intellectual Freedom tracked 729 book challenges, or the attempt to ban books from public access, the largest number on record. How does that impact you and your right to access material?

This virtual event will be a panel discussion between award winning author Dr. Gayle Pitman, local  teacher Donnie Surla, Sacramento Public Library youth materials selector Justin Azevedo and a local teens. The event will kick off with an introduction by Peter Coyl, Sacramento Public Library Director and Vice President of the Freedom to Read Foundation. 

 
 
Exercise Your Freedom to Read
Check out a collection of commonly banned books with no holds or wait times from to support your freedom to read on Libby.
 
Staff Reading Recommendations
Have Questions?
Do I have to take part in the discussion?

Only if you want to participate. You can join us as an observer or a thoughtful contributor and we promise to provide a respectful environment for you to learn about and/or discuss the issue.

Why don’t you talk about uplifting topics?

We do that too, but in a different way — at our storytimes and during our daily programs. Let’s Talk About is to provide our local community the opportunity to discuss the things that we don’t usually talk about, and with others who are interested in talking about it too.

How do you find people “on the front lines” for Let’s Talk About?

It’s a community effort. Some approach us and express interest in being part of the forum series, but most are found through our partnerships with organizations and individuals throughout the Sacramento community.

Contact Us