Name: True Crime Book Clubs: Making it Ethical without Censorship
Start: 2026-09-10T16:00:00-0600
End: 2026-09-10T17:00:00-0600

True Crime Book Clubs: Making it Ethical without Censorship

Thursday September 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT

Paige Turner Breakout Room 4

This presentation examines how true crime book clubs can remain engaging while upholding ethical responsibility—without resorting to censorship. As true crime continues to dominate popular culture, librarians and facilitators face unique challenges in selecting materials that respect victims, survivors, and community boundaries. Drawing on real-world book club practices and well-known true crime titles, this session examines how to establish patron-defined content boundaries, evaluate authorship and sourcing, and distinguish ethical decision-making from censorship. Attendees will gain practical strategies for fostering thoughtful, inclusive discussions through intentional question design and critical reading practices. The presentation also highlights the real-world consequences of unethical true crime consumption and emphasizes the importance of empathy, consent, and accountability. Designed for peers and professionals, this session encourages a more reflective approach to true crime that centers humanity over sensationalism

Speakers

Stephanie Mead

Librarian, High Plains Library District

I have always been into True Crime. I think what has also interested me the most was always questioning the "why" in human nature as well as the stories of the victims. As times have changed and with the rise of social media and "The Next Best Selling True Crime Book" has taken... Read More →

Thursday September 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Paige Turner Breakout Room 4

Breakout Session

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CALCON 2026 Courageous Libraries Resilient Communities

Stephanie Mead

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CALCON 2026 Courageous Libraries Resilient Communities

Stephanie Mead

Attendees (7)

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