Film Screening: The Librarians
Free Event Open to the Public
Thursday, April 16
5:00pm - 8:30pm
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2026-04-16 17:00:00
2026-04-16 20:30:00
America/Chicago
Film Screening: The Librarians
Join us for a powerful screening of The Librarians, a documentary that captures the frontline struggle for the freedom to read.
Nordlof Center - J.R. Sullivan Theater
Nordlof Center
J.R. Sullivan TheaterJoin us for a powerful screening of The Librarians, a documentary that captures the frontline struggle for the freedom to read.
Free Event | Open to the Public
Join us for a powerful screening of The Librarians, a documentary that captures the frontline struggle for the freedom to read. As book challenges escalate across the country, this film connects the dots between heated board meetings and the extremist movements fueling censorship efforts.
It is a chilling cautionary tale of professionals facing harassment, threats, and even criminalization—yet refusing to let their rallying cry for intellectual freedom be silenced.
Special Q&A Discussion
Stay after the credits for a deep-dive conversation featuring:
Martha Hickson: Featured librarian and advocate (joining via Zoom).
Dr. Emily Knox: Author and censorship expert (joining via Zoom).
Monica Harris: Executive Director of RAILS
Kelly Jensen: Editor and advocate
Lorene Kennard: Information Services Manager at RPL (moderator)
Event Details
Admission: Free Admission for all guests.
Perks: The first 50 attendees will receive a complimentary library-themed tote bag!
Sponsors: Proudly presented by the Rockford Public Library Foundation, RAILS, and LIRE.
Whether you are a librarian, library staff, or a concerned community member, this is a vital opportunity to watch this story unfold on the big screen and engage with the leaders fighting for our right to read.
Doors open at 5pm
Film screening starts at 5:30pm
Panel discussion begins about 7:15pm
Event concludes at 8:30pm
TAGS: | Special Event | Culture |
Nordlof Center
Hours
About the library
The facility at 118 N. Main St. in Rockford spans 30,000 square feet and serves as a versatile space for performances, classes, community gatherings, cultural events, and technology training across the region. High-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. Inside, you'll find the J.R. Sullivan Theater with 280 seats, the Black Box Theater with 60 seats, several meeting and classroom spaces, and the 15 station Walmart Computer Classroom.
