Freedom and Libraries
“Isn’t it awful not to be able to go to
a public library and get an interesting book
without being put out and given
a hateful look ”
“Freedom Libraries: The Untold Story of Libraries for African Americans in the South”
I checked out this book, along with 5 or 6 others, from my neighborhood library in the Before Times. At that time, in late February, there was no way I could have known how dear that singular library trip would become to me. When I attempted to read this book a few months ago, I struggled to get through the introduction. When I picked it up again last week, it resonated on a totally different level.
Over the course of nearly 100 days of sheltering-in-place and thinking about the places and rituals I treasured and being forced once again to contemplate and process the U.S.’s legacy of anti-Black racism, I’ve been drawn to books that center things that bring me joy and libraries have been a consistent source of joy throughout my life. I’ve moved around a lot and one of the rituals that helps me feel like a place is home is getting my library card. My most recent one (shown), from the San Francisco Public Library system, is illustrated by the amazing illustrator, Christian Robinson, and I love that it shows a little Black girl reading.
At first glance, I didn’t understand the book’s cover image, but on closer look, it’s clear that at least one of the people is holding a shotgun: the image is of two men protecting a Freedom Library in Holmes County, Mississippi.
The short book highlights Freedom Libraries and the people who built them from imagination, determination, and sheer will and focuses on Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and surprisingly to me, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I had never thought about segregation in libraries, but duh, that’s what public life was before the hard-won success of the Civil Rights movement. This short, but potent, book introduced me to Freedom Libraries and the insanely brave young people who went down South to set them up during the Freedom Summer of 1964. In addition to introducing new Freedom Fighters to my pantheon, it situated familiar names such as Stokely Carmichael and Michael Schwerner in a different timeline and context for me. By the time I was finished reading, I had a somehow even deeper love and gratitude for my own literacy, my parents cultivating my love of books, and the critical role formal and informal libraries play in an informed society.
During a time when many cities will be facing unprecedented budget cuts, I hope individuals and communities will protect and defend their libraries by prioritizing their funding.
Libraries are worth fighting for whether literally or figuratively.
Recommendations
Research your city or town’s library budget and figure out how you can advocate for funding.
If your public library has a “Friends of [Your Town’s] Public Library”, like the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library, become a member and get involved.
Volunteer for a literacy organization such as Reading Partners.
Buy books about diverse characters. Now and always.