Film Screening at the Providence Public Library (PPL): The Librarians

Providence Public Library is pleased to present a film screening of the documentary The Librarians, directed by Kim A. Snyder, with a panel discussion including local librarians and an author who has experienced having books challenged to follow.

About the Film

When Texas lawmakers seek to review a list of books, librarians find themselves on the frontlines of a national battle. Across the U.S., librarians face the impact of uniting against library collection standards that include restrictions on race-related and LGBTQIA+ content. Drawing on historical context, The Librarians explores the broader implications for education and public life.

Background

Librarians have always had a unique position on the frontline of American debates about free access to information. But in recent years, they’ve been thrust into increasingly visible public roles as book-banning efforts rise in various states. As more published titles come under attack nationwide, librarians have found themselves at the center of controversy. 


The Librarians delves into these charged contemporary topics, giving voice to various librarians and allowing them to share their firsthand experiences, including their understanding of the responsibilities of their profession. The film also gives audiences insights into the background and training that many librarians have, including how they decide to make different materials and ideas available to their local communities. 

Professional librarians are stewards of information. This is a role librarians take seriously: before getting their jobs, many of them have pursued advanced degrees in library science, where they gain expertise in managing a library’s resources and planning its programming to best serve their community’s needs. Librarians follow a professional code of ethics, which includes stipulations on upholding intellectual freedom and providing patrons with equitable access to information. Many librarians attend library-related conferences and continuing education meetings each year. They belong to professional librarian associations, and they also follow long-established professional best practices to determine which books to add to their collections. 

See the American Library Association Code of Ethics for more information. Also check out EveryLibrary’s collected requirements for becoming a librarian, listed by state.  

Following the screening, a panel of local librarians will discuss book banning efforts and responses in Rhode Island. 

For more than 20 years, the award-winning Indie Lens Pop-Up program has partnered with local organizations across the country to bring people together for film screenings and community-driven conversations. Inspired by the documentaries featured on PBS’s Independent Lens, Indie Lens Pop-Up is a space for sharing ideas and making connections that shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Since its inception in 2005, nearly half a million participants have come together at Indie Lens Pop-Up events to discuss issues that impact local communities. Learn more at pbs.org/indielenspopup.