Zoia Horn

Zoia Horn was a prominent American librarian and human rights activist who made a significant stand for intellectual freedom. In the early 1970s, she worked at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, where she was an outspoken advocate for the protection of individual rights and freedoms. As a member of the American Library Association's Intellectual Freedom Committee, Horn was dedicated to upholding the principles of confidentiality and freedom of information.

Horn's commitment to her convictions led to a notable confrontation with the law in 1972. During the conspiracy trial of the "Harrisburg Seven" anti-war activists, she was called to testify for the prosecution but refused, citing her conscience and professional ethics. As a result, Horn was jailed for nearly three weeks for contempt of court, becoming the first United States librarian to be imprisoned for refusing to disclose information. This courageous act of defiance cemented her reputation as a champion of intellectual freedom and a strong advocate for human rights.