LA County Library invites all teens in the community to celebrate the freedom to read and stand against censorship with special events on October 19 and October 26. As part of our ongoing commitment to intellectual freedom and access to diverse viewpoints, we are proud to present the following events, designed to spark dialogue, inspire community action, and highlight the importance of preserving the right to read freely.

Digital Futures and AI Frontiers Student Summit with PEN America

High school students are invited to join us for the Digital Futures and AI Frontiers Student Summit, an in-person program in partnership with PEN America, featuring two dates and locations:

• Saturday, October 19, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm at San Fernando Library
• Saturday, October 26, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm at Carson Library

At these engaging events, students will have the opportunity to explore the intersections of technology, free expression, and ethics in the digital age. The summits will include youth activism workshops, a catered lunch, and discussions led by special guests Shaunelle Curry and Anaïs Maria Maseda from Media Done Responsibly, along with the youth-led Digital Truths Initiative. Attendees will examine critical topics such as the impact of artificial intelligence on privacy, misinformation, and human rights, as well as the role of digital platforms in shaping public discourse. These free events are open to all high school students, but space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Freedom to Read Community Day of Action on October 19 – Free Watch Parties for Teens from 12 – 1:30 pm

In honor of the national Freedom to Read Community Day of Action on October 19, teens are invited to join watch parties at select LA County Library locations. During the event, teens will watch recordings of the recent Heart & Hand Book Talks with young adult authors, Aminah Mae Safi and Abdi Nazemian, enjoy a free lunch, and engage in discussions about the freedom to read and the impact of book bans. LA County Library Foundation will provide special giveaways at each location.

Participating libraries include East Los Angeles, Huntington Park, Lancaster, Manhattan Beach, and West Hollywood. This is a great opportunity for teens to connect with their peers, explore important topics around censorship, and express their support for intellectual freedom.

Celebrate the Freedom to Read

Both events are part of LA County Library’s broader commitment to the freedom to read, which encourages open access to a wide range of ideas and perspectives. We remain dedicated to fostering vibrant conversations about the importance of literature that reflects the diverse voices of our community.

For more information and to register for these events, visit LACountyLibrary.org/freedom-to-read.