Melissa Gira Grant: The library board “fired the library director for refusing to move or remove 113 books that they feel are ‘inappropriate.’ The rest of the staff did something heroic in solidarity with their colleague: they walked out, locked up the library, and said No to this unethical board action.”

The library board “fired the library director for refusing to move or remove 113 books that they feel are ‘inappropriate.’ The rest of the staff did something heroic in solidarity with their colleague: they walked out, locked up the library, and said No to this unethical board action.”

We all stand against book bans in theory, but 4 librarians in Prattville, Alabama lost their jobs standing against them. Please join me in donating to the GoFundMe that will help them make ends meet in this tough time. Show me a receipt, I'll give you a compliment www.gofundme.com/f/protect-pr...

Protect Prattville Library Staff and Patrons, organized by EveryLibrary Institute NFPwww.gofundme.com The Autauga-Prattville Alabama Library board has fired the lib… EveryLibrary Institute NFP needs your support for Protect Prattville Library Staff and Patrons

The concern we have here is that those who want to ban books now have a playbook for a shortcut to their ultimate goal, which has always been to shut down libraries completely.

Not sure where you are or how involved in libraries you already are, but I’ve reported on ways people have prevented this scenario: figure out who is on your library board to forecast if this kind of thing could kick off; support library workers’ unions so they can more easily push back.

Conservatives Are Trying to Ban Books in Your Town. Librarians Are Fighting Back.newrepublic.com How a right-wing mania is destroying the social fabric of communities across America

Thanks. That's refreshing to see.

What is the list of 113 books?

Republican Need less education

To side track this just a skoosh - if you work in any aspect of librarianship, with what's going on, I strongly encourage you to join a union such as AFSCME to help protect yourself. www.afscme.org/local (Full disclosure: I am a proud member of AFSCME local 4041)

Not a sidetrack at all! I reported on a union drive at a Michigan public library, it seems essential! Story here:

Not sure where you are or how involved in libraries you already are, but I’ve reported on ways people have prevented this scenario: figure out who is on your library board to forecast if this kind of thing could kick off; support library workers’ unions so they can more easily push back.

Conservatives Are Trying to Ban Books in Your Town. Librarians Are Fighting Back.newrepublic.com How a right-wing mania is destroying the social fabric of communities across America

Bravo!

Not to be all gloom here but isn’t this also kinda part of the far right’s plan? Like they hate libraries and stuff in general so these kinds of things just serve to give them excuses not to rehire library staff and close them completely. It’s the effed up thing about this mess.

in case this helps…

Not sure where you are or how involved in libraries you already are, but I’ve reported on ways people have prevented this scenario: figure out who is on your library board to forecast if this kind of thing could kick off; support library workers’ unions so they can more easily push back.

Conservatives Are Trying to Ban Books in Your Town. Librarians Are Fighting Back.newrepublic.com How a right-wing mania is destroying the social fabric of communities across America

This particular library board is composed entirely of appointees, and has zero oversight. No public statements from the town council will be made (per the council president).

Good for them! Showing more bravery and morality than the cowards at Harvard who pressured Gay out.

What the fuck is a library board?

The board is the governing body of a library. They are not supposed to be dictating collections. Some boards are elected; most are appointed. Lots of info here:

Resources — For The Peoplewww.librariesforthepeople.org

Sort of like a school board: a local administrative body exceptionally vulnerable to being overrun by cranks and buffoons with too much free time.

That's real solidarity!

Donated

This is the correct response.

How do those people get on a library board? And why is there even such a thing?

Yes. Why? Here Libraries are run by librarians as part of town councils. America could save a lot of nonsense by allowing professionals to do their job.

Donation sent.

Glad to help.

Book people are the best people

We don't deserve librarians 🥺

🖤

Shitty board.

Done

Support libraries and librarians.

Unfortunately, shuttering the library is just what the MAGAs want.

bsky.app/profile/meli...

for those asking how a library worker walkout isn’t just giving book banners what they want:

Heroes. 🥲

One day, I'll write a book about how a librarian and a music teacher saved an 11 year old child's life.

Thank you for sharing this- funds sent.

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