Maggie Tokuda-Hall Speaks in Idaho

By Camille Daw, Program and Outreach Manager

This past month, Friends of Minidoka partnered with the Idaho Library Association (ILA) to bring author and Minidoka descendant Maggie Tokuda-Hall to Idaho on October 6th and 7th for a series of programs and speaking events. 

On October 6th Maggie spoke at the annual ILA conference in Twin Falls about her experience with Scholastic and overcoming book bans in the United States. The next day, on October 7th, Twin Falls families and community members listened to Maggie reading Love in the Library at the Twin Falls Public Library. Staff at the library set up a book display of other books related to Japanese American incarceration, introducing people to different aspects of the incarceration experience. 

In Boise, Maggie read her book and spoke at the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights and engaged the audience in a conversation about standing up against injustice and speaking out against book bans. As part of her conversation, she explained the importance of allyship in the face of confrontation– that many people have an opportunity to speak up against book bans in the United States, and should use their ability to speak up for those often ignored or overlooked. During Maggie’s panel discussion with Erin Kennedy, the ILA’s Intellectual Freedom Chair, at ReDiscovered Books, the two discussed challenges librarians and book stores face in Idaho as a result of legislation that allows for books to be banned. This illuminating discussion highlighted issues that school districts and libraries in Idaho continue to face. Maggie and Erin explained that people can best support libraries by advocating against the bans by showing up at council and board meetings. 

This weekend of conversation and connection created opportunities for Maggie to engage with audiences in Idaho. Friends of Minidoka remain grateful for the Idaho Library Association, Twin Falls Public Library, the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights, ReDiscovered Books, Minidoka National Historic Site, along with all of our supporters who made Maggie’s visit possible!