Interview: FReadom Fighters Co-Founder Carolyn Foote On Why School Librarians Matter As Book Bans Rock The Country
Interview: FReadom Fighters Co-Founder Carolyn Foote on Why School Librarians Matter as Book Bans Rock the Country
Are there any success stories to share?
Yes, there have been some success stories. We’ve had librarians come to us and share that they were able to stand their ground and advocate for their libraries despite facing opposition. They were able to use the resources and information we provided to make a strong case for the importance of diverse literature and the value of their profession. In some instances, they were even able to change the minds of school board members who initially had concerns about certain books or materials.
Additionally, we have seen an increase in awareness and support from the wider community. People have rallied behind us and our cause, recognizing the vital role that librarians play in shaping young minds and fostering a love for reading. They have shared their own stories of how librarians have made a positive impact on their lives and the lives of their children.
These success stories give us hope and motivation to continue our work and fight for the rights of librarians and the access to diverse literature for all students.
In certain areas, budget cuts are leading to a decrease in the number of librarians. How does this impact the issue of book bans?
If you happen to be in a district that lacks a librarian, and a school board member or superintendent enters your library with the intention of removing a book from the shelves, and there is only an aide present or the library is simply a room without a librarian, who will defend intellectual freedom? Children are being denied access to materials without someone to advocate for them or comprehend the policies. In Texas, the position of district librarian has been eliminated, so while there may be librarians in high schools, elementary schools are left without one. In my district, as the former district librarian, people could turn to me for support from the campus and I could communicate with the administrative team in cases of book challenges. However, if you are just a librarian at a specific school, you are pressured to take action without a supervisor who truly understands libraries to support you.
Where is this occurring?
We are observing data that suggests an increase in these challenges in suburban schools, particularly in the suburbs of Houston, Dallas, and Austin. These communities may be racially diverse, such as San Antonio, or they may lack diversity. Consequently, the stories of students in these schools, who may already feel marginalized, are being removed from library shelves.
Have you encountered any data from outside of Texas?
We are currently investigating this. If we come across a story, we try to determine the location of the district or ask the librarian involved. We have a ongoing poll on Twitter, targeting our followers, to gather information on whether or not their districts have faced challenges and if they are suburban, rural, urban, or Title I schools. Currently, there is a higher number of challenges reported in suburban schools compared to the other categories… This trend is spreading across the country and having our hashtag has created a national platform for sharing information, which was not expected initially. It has enabled us to connect people and gain insight into what is happening in various parts of the country, not just in the South.
