The Battle for Books: Protecting Our Libraries 📚
The role of libraries in our communities and preserving freedom of speech.
Ah, the sweet memories of childhood summers spent at the library! I remember pedaling my way to our local library in first grade, a safe journey where I could freely dive into the world of books and embark on countless adventures. 🚲
Fast forward five decades, and my passion for reading and exploring library stacks is as strong as ever. 📖 Libraries have evolved into community hubs, offering not just books, but spaces for us to gather, learn, and share. 🏫
Sadly, in today’s climate, some libraries in the U.S. are under siege1. Extreme political forces are pressuring libraries and librarians to ban books in our communities and public schools. 🚫
These extremists pose a threat to not only our access to books and libraries but also to knowledge, free speech, diversity, inclusion, and specifically targeting LGBTQ+ books, library staff, and community members. 🏳️🌈
Thankfully, organizations like the American Library Association are stepping up to fight censorship with legal aid, financial support, safety measures, and other resources.2 💪
A Brief History of Libraries in America
In the early 1700s colonial America, public libraries were non-existent. Books were rare and expensive commodities. But on July 1, 1731, Ben Franklin and his philosophical association of friends created the first book-sharing library. Today, we have over 100,000 libraries across the U.S.! 🇺🇸
More Than Just Books
Today, libraries offer an array of services well beyond books:
Exam proctoring
Faxing services
Microfilm readers
Homebound Services
Library of Things (borrow kitchenware, musical instruments, games)
Notary services
Seed library
Used bookstores
Meeting rooms
The Tools Lending library in Berkeley even offers tools for home improvement projects! 🔨
Libraries Beyond Traditional Spaces
Book-sharing libraries are popping up everywhere - sidewalks in our neighborhoods, restaurants, food pantries. I recently donated over 70 cookbooks to a book-sharing library at a local food pantry where I volunteer. 🍲
There are over 150,000 Free Little Library book-sharing boxes in 120 countries! 🌍
Book access is central to the organization’s mission and core values with a recommended list of Read in Color and Top 10 Banned Books to donate to a Little Free Library near you.
Your Call to Action
As an optimist, I’m excited about the opportunities to share knowledge and do good in our communities. Take action today to fight censorship and ensure the future of libraries as vibrant hubs in our communities.
https://www.kcra.com/article/davis-library-bomb-threats-fbi-investigation/44943167#
https://www.ala.org/advocacy/fight-censorship