The Librarians: Hope in the Fight Against Fascism

Hey, y’all! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Sorry about that; life got away from me, as it is want to do. Today I want to talk about a movie I saw last night. I feel like those of us who value intellectual freedom should all watch this movie.

Last night, at the Otis S. Johnson Cultural Center, I participated in the free screening of The Librarians. It was amazing! This documentary was about the librarians on the forefront against the movement to ban books that has been quietly (and not so quietly) happening in America. If you grew up in America, chances are you know a librarian. They are so important, and often times (largely due to the fact that it’s a women-led field) underappreciated and undercelebrated.

This movie gave me hope, in a time where hope is so hard to hold on to. These women (and men) put their personal safety, their careers, and their lives on the line to protect our right to read. People are still fighting the good fight, even when it could cause them harm. That is inspiring.

After the movie, there was a fireside chat with the Director of the Live Oaks Library system and another library director from New Jersey. During that chat, I learned that Savannah, GA is the first Sanctuary City for banned books in all of Georgia. That is certainly something to celebrate. Intellectual freedom is protected here. And we have all of the librarians, people on the boards of libraries, and the mayor to thank for that.

That’s not to say it came without a fight. There was a months-long battle against Effingham County to not have books banned in our libraries. And the libraries won.

The Carnegie Heritage Library will be opening again soon, too. Libraries are so important to our freedoms as Americans. Librarians, like it or not, are now at the forefront of the culture wars and the fight against facsism in America. We could all stand to thank a librarian. If you have the time, why not send an email or give a call to your local library and thank the people fighting the good fight?

You can also sign up for the library’s online email newsletter here. Stay up-to-date on all the goings on. If you want to watch this movie, look for it on Prime Video, or visit the website here to learn more.

I hope you will watch this movie. It was hard to watch at some points–seeing the hatred people have for minority groups and the lengths they’re willing to go to in order to scheme and take away the public’s right to read is disheartening. But, it was overwhelmingly hopeful.

Until next time, bye y’all!