National Freedom of Information! A day to think about and celebrate as an American

National Freedom of Information Day, March 16, is a celebration of one of the most valuable rights we have as citizens in a democratic free society. The FOI Act, ratified by Congress in 1966, declares that each of us has the right to get information from any federal agency records, except those that aren’t protected by one of nine exemptions or special law enforcement exclusions.

The date in March was chosen in honor of James Madison, Jr.’s birthday. Madison was a Virginia landowner, a political activist of individual rights, a leader in the House of Representatives and our fourth president. He worked tirelessly as an advocate for every American’s right to defend public access to government information.

President Madison became known as the Father of the Constitution and drafting author of its first 10 amendments, known as the Bill of Rights.

Every year on FOI Day, the American Library Association presents the James Madison Award (established in 1986) to exemplary individuals and organizations that uphold the spirit of Madison’s vision: the advancement of freedom of information and expression on a national level.

The awards are given in various categories, including non-profit and media organizations, professional journalism and even industry and government whistle blowers.