Freedom of Information Day 2023

Freedom of Information Day celebrates public access to government information and the public’s right to know. This annual event takes place on March 16, James Madison’s birthday. James Madison is known as the Father of the Constitution and was a vocal advocate for transparency in government. The Freedom of Information Act, passed on July 4, 1966, outlines the public’s right to access information.   

The American Library Association celebrates Freedom of Information Day with the James Madison Award and the Eileen Cooke State & Local Madison Award, both of which recognize individuals or groups who have championed, protected, and promoted public access to government information.  

Resources 

• Government Resources Guide 
  Our Government Resources guide offers a great starting place for finding information about our local, state, and federal governments. You will find historical information; details about the federal, state, and local branches of government; voting information; and other resources.  
• (U.S.) History in Context 
  Learn about themes, events, individuals and periods in U.S. history from pre-Colonial times to the present. 
• History Collection from Gale eBooks 
  Search this database for books about the Freedom of Information Act and James Madison, as well as more unfamiliar events from U.S. history.