Faith, Freedom, and the Future of Our Public Libraries

Friday, sEPTEMBER 4

11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
ST. PAUL'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1340 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids

‍in-person and virtual options
‍
Sam Helmick‍
‍President, American Library Association

In an era dominated by hyper-partisan content and "noise," public libraries remain essential sanctuaries for authentic community connection, intellectual freedom, and the shared right to read. In September, Intersections explores how modern political attacks on public libraries threaten not only our democratic institutions but also the core tenets of religious freedom and civil dialogue. Grounded in a commitment to fiscal responsibility, institutional transparency, and faith-led community stewardship, we will discuss how diverse voices can unite to safeguard libraries as vital spaces for all Iowans.

• Attend in person (with lunch) by clicking here. Four boxed lunch options are available for $15: turkey & swiss on ciabatta, roast beef & cheddar on wheatberry, Greek Mediterranean wrap (vegetarian), and garden veggie salad. You must pre-order and pay for your lunch by 12:00 PM on Tuesday, September 1. Late orders or walk-in requests for lunch will not be available.
• Attend in person (no lunch) by clicking here. There is no cost for this option, but we must have your RSVP to ensure we have enough seating.
• Watch via YouTube by clicking here. This online presentation will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.

ABOUT OUR PRESENTER | Sam Helmick (they/them) is a lifelong Iowan with over two decades of dedicated service in the library field, currently serving as the President of the American Library Association and the Community and Access Services Coordinator at the Iowa City Public Library. A former President of the Iowa Library Association and the current Chair of the State of Iowa Library Commission, Sam’s leadership is deeply informed by their Christian faith and a steadfast commitment to the intersection of religious freedom, intellectual liberty, and robust public stewardship. Their advocacy focuses on defending the right to read, resisting administrative overreach, and ensuring that public institutions remain resilient, inclusive, and transparent spaces of grace and discovery for communities across the state and nation.

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Intersections is a monthly gathering of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa in Cedar Rapids.‍