Photo by: Lisa Havlicek Photography
Rebecca "Becky" Puhl, director of the Phillips Public Library, has received the WLA/WEMTA Intellectual Freedom Award.
This award can be given to two recipients each year. One recipient must be from a school setting and the other recipient must be from a public, academic, or special library. Becky received the award for doing work at the Phillips Public Library. She was nominated by staff members at Carleton A. Friday Memorial Library in New Richmond, which included Monica LaVold, director, and Jake Wyrzykowski, youth services librarian.
This award recognizes those Wisconsinites who, within the last five years, have made extraordinary contributions to the promotion and protection of intellectual freedom. It celebrates people who uphold the right to access information, challenge censorship, and offer a culture of open discussion.
According to the Laura Sauser, executive director of the Wisconsin Library Association (WLA), "As director of the Phillips Public Library, Puhl has faced numerous book and materials challenges over the past two years. These challenges have not only been reported on locally but have also captured the attention of intellectual freedom advocates from around the country. Through it all, Puhl has not only upheld her commitment to intellectual freedom but shielded her staff from negative comments and actions coming from the community. As described in a recommendation letter for this award, she has consistently prioritized her patrons, her staff safety and well-being, and her belief in doing what is right over her own mental and emotional health. In selecting Puhl for this award, the WLA/WEMTA Intellectual Freedom Award Committee cited her steadfast courage in defending the principles of intellectual freedom while ensuring the Phillips Public Library was a safe, welcoming, and inclusive place for all members of the community."
Becky received the award at the Wisconsin Library Association awards banquet on Thursday, November 7, 2024. The banquet was part of the WLA annual conference and was held at the KI Convention Center in Green Bay. Becky said she is proud to receive the award recognizing the work she has done to "ensure that the Phillips Public Library is a place where all people feel welcome and where everyone is represented regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age. I look forward to continuing this work and helping ensure that all Phillips Public Library patrons receive the support and resources they need and deserve. Libraries have always been, and will always strive to be, places where people can find the most up-to-date, trusted information they need to make informed decisions about their lives and the lives of those around them."
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