National Library Week is a time to celebrate the adventures and safe spaces that libraries provide. However, librarians are facing constant fear due to attacks from Republican politicians and far-right groups like Moms for Liberty who are pushing to ban books about LGBTQ+ people and people of color. Some librarians are quitting their jobs due to harassment, while legislation in Idaho and West Virginia has threatened jail time for librarians who provide access to certain materials. The president of the American Library Association, Emily Drabinski, discussed the current state of attacks on libraries and how these actions are impacting library workers across the country.
Drabinski highlighted the fear and anxiety that library workers are experiencing nationwide, with many feeling the weight of potential censorship even in communities where it is not currently prevalent. Attacks on libraries are not only impacting access to diverse books but are also threatening funding at the state level. Drabinski emphasized the importance of libraries in providing access to information and the impact that these attacks are having on the ability of libraries to serve their communities. Attacks on libraries are attempting to eliminate the institution as a whole, not just individual books.
Personal attacks on Drabinski have included cancellations of ALA memberships from state libraries and allegations of being a Marxist lesbian, leading to a challenging and emotionally difficult experience for her. Drabinski sees these attacks as not only personal but also as part of a larger assault on LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly trans lives. Attacks on libraries such as those in Michigan and Texas showcase attempts to control what materials are available and could ultimately lead to the closure of libraries that resist censorship efforts.
Drabinski pointed out that attacks on libraries are largely driven by a small minority with power in some states, causing widespread anxiety and fear among library workers. Efforts to limit funding at the state level and ban access to ALA services are ongoing, with political figures becoming involved in these debates. The attacks on libraries have been disingenuous and unrelated to the community needs and desires, leading to calls for advocacy and action to defend access to diverse materials and protect libraries from censorship.
In conclusion, Drabinski urged individuals to support their local libraries and advocate against organized censorship through campaigns like Unite Against Book Bans. She highlighted the importance of community involvement in defending libraries and access to information, emphasizing the unique role that libraries play in serving diverse needs and fostering imagination. By engaging with libraries and defending their importance, individuals can contribute to the fight against censorship and support the continued existence of these vital community institutions.
