With a new twist on banned books, ALA-OIF is partnering with Ian Ruskin world renowned actor and playwright. Starting this spring, Ian Ruskin is offering libraries an opportunity to provide Sneak Preview Screenings of To Begin the World Over Again: the Life of Thomas Paine.

The film on the life of Thomas Paine, author of Common Sense, will be aired on public TV this Presidential election year. Thomas Paine wrote about ideas that were so controversial he was often imprisoned and fined, and almost executed. His works were banned in Europe and anyone who distributed, read or discussed his books faced prosecution.

This is a great opportunity for libraries to support the ALA and Intellectual Freedom, AND they get a program out of it! (Libraries can also contact Ian Ruskin to book a Skype or Google visit.)

For $50, libraries get the license to show the film as an event, DVDs to circulate in their collection, talking points, an action plan, recipes, and a publicity kit with posters, social media banners, and press releases. 10% of these proceeds will go to the American Library Association/the Office for Intellectual Freedom! When people order, they can request Freedom to Read Foundation brochures free of charge for their patrons.

For more, please visit Ian’s website, or share the ALA-OIF blog