History of the Freedom to Read in the United States

This timeline reflects on the ongoing efforts by libraries and governments to enshrine the freedom to read as a fundamental human right.

Created for S580 - Summer 2012 - IUPUI

1791-12-15 00:00:00

First Amendment adopted

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution is adopted. “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

1802-01-01 00:00:00

First Prison Library

The first state prison library opened in 1802.

1876-10-06 00:00:00

Founding of the ALA

The ALA, founded in 1876 is Philadelphia, is in the forefront of the battle to ensure that every person is afforded the right to read

1889-03-30 00:00:00

First US Carnegie Library

On this date the first Carnegie Library in the United States in Braddock, PA

1905-05-01 00:00:00

First Bookmobile

In this year, Washington County, Maryland claims to have started the first bookmobile service.

1948-06-18 00:00:00

Library Bill of Rights

The ALA adopts the first version of the Library Bill of Rights

1948-12-10 00:00:00

UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights

The 19th Article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights protects freedom of opinion, information and expression.

1953-06-23 00:00:00

Freedom to Read Statement

The ALA adopts the first version of the Freedom to Read Statement

1982-09-21 00:00:00

First Annual Banned Books Week

Banned Books Week campaign founded by Judith Krug to celebrate the freedom to read, draw attention to banned books and bring focus on those who are persecuted for the works they read, write or distribute.

History of the Freedom to Read in the United States

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