Poll after poll shows that a strong majority of Americans — Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike — oppose the censorship of materials in public libraries. Similarly, more than 90% of Americans have a favorable opinion of public and school librarians.
And yet, in recent years, libraries across the country have faced coordinated campaigns and legislation aimed at restricting what books can go on public shelves.
Learn more:
- American Library Association - Voters Oppose Book Bans in Libraries
- ABC News: How Americans feel about book bans, restrictions: Survey
The rhetoric is often framed as “protecting children.” But a closer look at the titles most frequently targeted shows a clear pattern: books by and about people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community are disproportionately challenged. These efforts raise questions about the self-appointed censors' real motivations, as well as who should decide which stories are available — and whose experiences are deemed acceptable.
This moment — and the librarians navigating it — is the subject of the documentary The Librarians, directed by Kim A. Snyder. The film follows librarians in Texas, Louisiana, Florida, and beyond as they respond to organized book challenges and defend their communities’ freedom to read.
HCPL's Katy Branch Library will host a screening of The Librarians on Thursday, March 26, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. A panel discussion will follow the showing of the film. Panelists include
- Varsha Bajaj, New York Times bestselling middle grade author and member of Authors Against Book Bans
- Grace Ding, Research Director at Students Engaged in Advancing Texas
- Nancy Limmer, retired school librarian
- Ayania Hicks, Engagement Coordinator at ACLU of Texas
- Anne Russey, Katy ISD mom and Co-founder of Texas Freemom to Read project
We invite you to be part of the conversation.
This event is FREE. Space is limited.
Reserve your seat now
______________________________________
If you care about the future of public libraries, here are six meaningful ways to show it.
1. Get Informed and Stay Informed
Coverage of intellectual freedom issues is often spotty. Staying informed takes a little effort.
National
American Library Association (ALA) News and Press Center
ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom Blog
Freedom to Read Foundation News
Unite Against Book Bans Updates & Alerts
Texas
Texas Library Association (TLA): Texas Bill Tracker
2. Use Your Library Card
It sounds simple, but it matters. Circulation numbers are one of the clearest indicators of a library’s value to its community. Every checkout, every eBook download, every database search demonstrates that people rely on and trust their library.
Don't have a library Card? Get one now
3. Attend Library Programs and Use Library Services
Just like circulation numbers, strong attendance and usage statistics show that the library is a crucial community resource.
4. Advocate for your Library
Know who your elected officials are. Contact them to let them know how crucial public and school libraries are. Attend and speak at budget hearings or any time libraries are on the agenda.
Texas Library Association Advocacy Tools and Resources
American Library Association Advocacy Toolbox
ALA: Year-Round Advocacy Checklist
5. Challenge Misinformation Calmly
Debates about books and libraries can become emotional quickly. Misinformation spreads easily, especially online.
If you encounter misleading claims about the kinds of books your library has, how books are selected, or what libraries “endorse,” respond with facts. HCPL and all other public libraries follow established collection development policies and reconsideration processes designed to reflect diverse viewpoints and serve entire communities.
You don’t have to argue with everyone. But silence allows inaccuracies to harden into “truth.”
6. Get Organized
Those seeking to restrict access to books are often small in number but highly coordinated.
If you believe in intellectual freedom, consider joining or supporting organizations that defend it. Collective action amplifies individual voices and ensures that library supporters are just as organized and engaged as critics.
______________________________________
Public libraries belong to communities. They are one of the few spaces built on the idea that everyone deserves access to knowledge — even when that knowledge challenges us. Furthermore, they are public institutions and their shelves should reflect all of the public's lived experiences, not just those of a few.
If you’d like to explore these issues more deeply, join us for our screening of The Librarians on Thursday, March 26, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. The film offers a close look at the people behind the headlines — and a reminder that the freedom to read has always depended on ordinary citizens choosing to defend it.
HCPL is committed to protecting that freedom. The question is not whether libraries are worth defending. It’s whether people like you are willing to show up for them.
Add a comment to: 6 Ways to Stand Up for Your Library and Your Freedom to Read