Ideas Libraries are fighting for their freedom — and our democracy
Aug 28, 2025
Join Ira Wells, a journalist and author, Lita Berry, CEO of Burlington Public Library, and Meg Utangi-Matzos, Director of Service Design and Innovation at the same library, as they tackle the urgent issue of censorship in public libraries. They discuss the vital role libraries play in upholding democracy and intellectual freedom, particularly in the face of rising book bans. The trio explores the balance between community needs and diverse perspectives while emphasizing libraries as hubs for empathy and engagement in today’s contentious climate.
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What Intellectual Freedom Means
- Intellectual freedom means everyone has the right to access information and no one should dictate others' choices.
- Libraries balance access with responsibility and defend intellectual freedom as central to democracy.
Use Data And Expertise To Curate
- Use multiple curation tools: reviews, bibliographies, industry input, and local data to shape collections.
- Regularly review usage, uniqueness, and local relevance before weeding materials from shelves.
Collections Should Reflect Diverse Viewpoints
- Libraries include opposing viewpoints (e.g., Fauci memoir and a critique by RFK Jr.) so readers can understand both sides.
- Removing titles denies people the chance to encounter and judge controversial views for themselves.
