It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of libraries. They make our lives richer by providing books and so much more. Libraries make sure we all have access to information no matter where we live or who we love or how much money we have. That’s why it’s important that we defend libraries when they are challenged. (See https://www.lynnlovegreen.com/post/sometimes-you-have-to-get-political for a previous post on this topic.)
Recently, we had two positive developments in Alaska--Anchorage Public Library finally has a professional librarian, Virginia McClure, as director. And Ketchikan residents voted down a proposal that would have destroyed the Ketchikan Public Library’s budget. Both are reasons to celebrate. But library lovers need to stay vigilant and keep fighting for our intellectual freedom. Here are a few things you can do:
Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper praising your local school or public library.
Contact your local school board or city council and let them know you support librarians and library workers.
If you hear of a censorship challenge or other attempt to restrict libraries, let people know that you support the work libraries do.
If you can afford it, donate to the American Library Association’s Unite Against Book Bans (https://uniteagainstbookbans.org) or a similar nonprofit.
Want to know more? Check out Unite Against Book Bans’ Action Toolkit at https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/toolkit/ .
Together, we can make a difference—just like libraries make a difference in our lives.