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US public libraries at ‘breaking point’ amid ideological attacks, report finds
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- A PEN America report reveals that US public libraries face severe political interference, harassment, and ideological censorship, threatening their role as democratic institutions.
- The report highlights incidents including book bans, attacks on librarians, funding cuts, and politically appointed officials overriding elected library boards.
- Targeted censorship disproportionately affects LGBTQ+ literature, with examples such as Riley Gaines' appointment to a Tennessee library board and restrictive laws in Idaho and Alabama.
- Public libraries have also faced protests and violence related to drag shows, leading to event cancellations in multiple states.
- PEN America emphasizes that censorship efforts harm communities by limiting access to diverse stories and information, while also noting grassroots resistance supporting intellectual freedom.
