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Image for event: Film Screening: The Librarians

Film Screening: The Librarians

Free Event Open to the Public

2026-04-16 17:00:00 2026-04-16 20:30:00 America/Chicago Film Screening: The Librarians Nordlof Center - J.R. Sullivan Theater

Thursday, April 16
5:00pm - 8:30pm

Add to Calendar 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 Theater

Join 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

Phone: 815-987-6614
Branch manager
Mary Pat Muzzarelli

Hours
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Mon, Apr 06 8:00AM to 11:00PM
Tue, Apr 07 8:00AM to 11:00PM
Wed, Apr 08 8:00AM to 11:00PM
Thu, Apr 09 8:00AM to 11:00PM
Fri, Apr 10 8:00AM to 11:00PM
Sat, Apr 11 8:00AM to 11:00PM
Sun, Apr 12 Closed

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.

Upcoming events

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Black Box Theater
Tournament for Super Smash Bros Ultimate and other fighting games at the Nordlof Center in downtown Rockford.
Register

Tue, Apr 14, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Black Box Theater
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Wed, Apr 15, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Walmart Computer Classroom
Start making games today! Attend RPL's game development workshop to gain knowledge on a broad set of skills designed to teach you how to start designing and connect with other game developers locally.
This event is full

Thu, Apr 16, 5:00pm - 8:30pm
J.R. Sullivan Theater
Join us for a powerful screening of The Librarians, a documentary that captures the frontline struggle for the freedom to read.