Taking Back the Library w/ Mariame Kaba & Melissa Gira Grant (11/09/23)
Nov 10, 2023
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Discussions on libraries as political spaces, resistance against right-wing attacks, importance of public institutions for marginalized communities, grassroots activism in libraries, collective action against injustices like the Palestine genocide, challenges librarians face in political activism, societal issues explored through historical events and title choices, and empowering community engagement in library governance.
Understanding the library as a political battleground is crucial for left organizers fighting right-wing attacks on public spaces.
Encouraging public engagement in library governance requires bridging the gap between awareness and active participation in board positions.
Strategies like attending board meetings and creating educational resources are vital in mobilizing community involvement for library advocacy.
Empowering individuals to undertake library advocacy within their localities through collaborative efforts and adaptable resources is key for FTP.
Deep dives
Informing the Public about Library Governance
There is a crucial need to educate the public about how libraries function, including how they are funded and governed. Many individuals lack awareness regarding library board meetings, funding sources, and governance structures, highlighting the necessity for basic education on this topic.
Promoting Active Participation in Library Governance
Encouraging individuals to move from recognizing the importance of library governance to actively engaging in board positions or seeking appointments remains a significant challenge. Bridging the gap between knowing about opportunities and taking tangible steps to participate is a key focus for initiatives like FTP.
Engaging the Community in Library Advocacy
FTP employs various strategies to mobilize community involvement in library advocacy, emphasizing approaches like attending library board meetings, hosting Library Board Watchers programs, creating educational resources, and promoting initiatives like the Libraries and Lemonade Stand project.
Fostering Collaborative Efforts and Diverse Strategies
FTP works to unite diverse contexts and experiences within library advocacy efforts, recognizing the varied challenges faced by different communities. By fostering collaboration and offering adaptable materials and resources, FTP aims to empower individuals to undertake library advocacy within their specific localities.
Power Dynamics in Libraries and Activism
The struggle against oppression is complex due to internalized systems within individuals and institutions. In the podcast, the discussion highlights the need for vigilance and activism to address these embedded systems. Examples from the Hennepin County Patrons Union initiative demonstrate the power of community organizing within local library systems, emphasizing the potential for individuals to create change through patrons' unions.
Challenges Faced by Library Workers
Library workers face various challenges, including political scapegoating and surveillance resulting from their political affiliations or advocacy work. The episode delves into instances where library workers experience scrutiny and obstacles due to their Marxist beliefs or activism. It sheds light on how labels like 'Marxist' are used to undermine and isolate individuals within library settings, impacting solidarity and creating barriers to collective action.
Solidarity and Political Activism in Library Spaces
The discourse on communism and queerness intersects within library environments, reflecting broader societal tensions and historical legacies of prejudice. By examining the historical context of anti-communism and homophobia, the podcast emphasizes the ongoing struggle for inclusivity and acceptance within library spaces. It underscores the need for solidarity, activism, and redefining societal norms to foster a more equitable and representative library community.
Beatrice and Jules speak with Mariame Kaba and Melissa Gira Grant about the importance of understanding the library as a site of political contestation and a rare expression of the commons in contemporary US life, and how left organizers are fighting back against right wing attacks on public space.
Transcript: https://www.deathpanel.net/transcripts/library-mariame-kaba-melissa-gira-grant
Join up with For the People: A Leftist Library Project here:
https://www.librariesforthepeople.org/
And find the latest updates here:
https://librariesforthepeople.substack.com/p/library-solidarity-with-palestine
Read Melissa’s piece, “Librarians Didn’t Sign Up to Be Queer Activists—but This Year, They Are” here:
https://newrepublic.com/article/175567/librarians-new-queer-front-lines
Referenced in this episode:
“The Prison in Twelve Landscapes,” directed by Brett Story (2016)
https://www.prisonlandscapes.com/
“The People and the Library: Reflections on Grass-Roots Efforts to Preserve and Expand the Library As a Commons” here: https://justseeds.org/the-people-and-the-library-reflections-on-grass-roots-efforts-to-preserve-and-expand-the-library-as-a-commons/
Find our book Health Communism here: www.versobooks.com/books/4081-health-communism
Pre-order Jules' new book here:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/733966/a-short-history-of-trans-misogyny-by-jules-gill-peterson/
Death Panel merch here (patrons get a discount code): www.deathpanel.net/merch
As always, support Death Panel at www.patreon.com/deathpanelpod
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