National Library Week is a time to celebrate the adventures that children can have through books that are free and accessible in libraries, as well as the safe learning spaces libraries provide. However, recent attacks on librarians have caused fear and anxiety among library workers. Republican politicians and far-right groups are targeting librarians who refuse to remove books about LGBTQ+ people, people of color, and racism from shelves. In some cases, librarians are facing personal attacks and harassment, leading to some quitting their jobs.
Legislation threatening librarians with jail time has started emerging, such as in Idaho and West Virginia. In Idaho, a bill was passed that would send librarians to jail for checking out books considered harmful to minors, while in West Virginia, librarians could face criminal liability for allowing minors to access content deemed obscene. These restrictions could lead to challenges to classic books and criminal charges against librarians over the content found in books.
The president of the American Library Association, Emily Drabinski, has been personally targeted due to her identification as a Marxist lesbian, facing attacks from multiple state libraries. Despite the personal attacks, Drabinski remains committed to her role and advocating for libraries’ importance. Library workers are navigating a difficult political climate, striving to provide access to diverse books while facing censorship threats from various sources. The attacks on public libraries are viewed as part of a broader assault on public education and community institutions.
The attacks on libraries are seen as a means to eliminate universal access to the resources of imagination that libraries provide. Drabinski emphasizes the importance of libraries as institutions that meet the needs of local communities and encourage a love of reading. The defense against book bans and censorship is highlighted through campaigns like Unite Against Book Bans, which mobilize advocates to support libraries and their collections. The goal is to raise awareness of the value of libraries and the vital role they play in communities.
Drabinski encourages people to use their library cards, visit libraries, and advocate for their importance in the community. The Unite Against Book Bans campaign provides resources for fighting back against censorship and organized challenges to library materials. By showcasing the value and impact of libraries, communities can rally to protect these vital institutions that provide access to knowledge, imagination, and diverse perspectives. Ultimately, the defense of libraries is a defense of the ability for all individuals, especially children, to engage with a wide range of ideas and stories.
