Seventy-three years ago, on June 14, 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower delivered one of the most important speeches ever given about libraries, learning, and citizenship.
Speaking at Dartmouth College during a moment of national anxiety and political division, Eisenhower reminded Americans that freedom is not protected by hiding ideas from one another. It is protected by having the courage to confront, examine, debate, and learn from them.
Today, as we celebrate the Civic Season from Juneteenth through Independence Day and prepare for America's 250th anniversary, his message remains as relevant as ever.
Libraries, schools, colleges, and civic institutions help ensure that every American can learn, question, discover, and participate fully in our constitutional republic.
President Eisenhower's Words Still Matter
President Eisenhower delivered his stirring speech very early in his first term. It was a call to action that cut across the reasons he ran for office after serving in the military. And it is a strong reminder for Americans in 2026 that the issues that matter to America are expressed in its libraries. Let's consider what President Eisenhower had to say in June 1953 in a new way today:
"Don't be afraid to go in your library and read every book, as long as that document does not offend our own ideas of decency. That should be the only censorship."
"Look at your country. Here is a country of which we are proud… But this country is a long way from perfection. A long way. We have the disgrace of racial discrimination, or we have prejudice against people because of their religion. We have crime on the docks. We have not had the courage to uproot these things, although we know they are wrong."
"And even if they have ideas that are contrary to ours, their right to say them, their right to record them, and their right to have them at places where they are accessible to others is unquestioned, or it isn't America."
"Don't join the book burners. Don't think you are going to conceal faults by concealing evidence that they ever existed."
Take the Eisenhower First Amendment Pledge
The First Amendment protects freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, and the right to petition the government. These freedoms depend on access to information and the freedom to read. President Eisenhower understood that. Please join us in making a bold and personal statement that is inspired by President Eisenhower's defense of civil liberties, civil rights, and civil society. Sign your name to the petition on this page and stand up for these core American values.
I believe the First Amendment is one of America's greatest strengths.
I believe that protecting the freedom to read is not a partisan cause. It is an American responsibility.
I believe libraries, schools, colleges, and civic institutions should remain places where people can encounter ideas, evidence, history, and perspectives that help them become informed citizens.
I believe that no one should be turned away from the library and that what is on the shelves of the library should reflect the identity and dignity of all Americans.
I believe Americans are strong enough to confront difficult ideas rather than hide from them.
As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, I pledge to support the First Amendment, defend the freedom to read, and encourage civic understanding in my community.
Like President Eisenhower, I choose not to join the book burners.
Please add your name today.