Library Freedom Committee

Bonnie Schmidt – Chair – Library.Freedom@lwvofla.org.

The function of the Library Freedom Committee is to monitor threats to library freedom and to lead the LWVLA’s 2023-2024 study of library freedom issues in the state. The committee will examine all aspects of library freedoms including access to library materials, access to libraries as public space, and particular threats to the access of young and LGBTQ+ community readers. It will also examine citizen participation in the governance and oversight of libraries at library boards and the legislature. The committee and study proceed on the basis of LWV positions on: (1) Citizen Rights, Individuals Liberties, (2) Citizen Rights, Right to Know & Citizen Participation, and (3) the LWV policy on Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion.

Public Libraries Resolution at 2024 LWVUS National Convention

Resolution on Public Libraries

This resolution on public libraries was offered by LWV of Louisiana at the LWVUS National Convention in Washington, DC, on June 30, 2024, and it was passed with overwhelming support by the delegates to the national convention.
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RESOLUTION ON PUBLIC LIBRARIESoffered by the League of Women Voters of Louisiana
at the
2024 LWVUS National Convention
Sunday, June 30, 2024, Washington, DC

WHEREAS libraries serve not only as vital hubs of access to information, resources, and programming but also as crucial civic spaces for people to come together to learn, debate, organize, and enjoy a wide range of intellectual, cultural, civic, and recreational opportunities;WHEREAS libraries provide internet access and a range of online resources that contribute to digital equity, both in ordinary times and in situations of emergency and disaster, when they serve as crucial lifelines;

WHEREAS libraries are crucial places for citizens and voters gather to access tools and practice the skills of democracy, including through opportunities to participate with professional library staff, library boards, and local governing authorities in setting library policies and programming;

WHEREAS libraries have been subject to censorship efforts targeting groups on the basis of age, gender, race and other status, along with calls for defunding and/or privatization that threaten their status as public institutions and public resources;

Therefore, be it resolved that public libraries are essential institutions for strong, viable, and sustainable democracies and that access to materials, resources, and programming provided by public libraries is a civil right, which should be enjoyed by all and distributed equitably in our communities.

Library Freedoms Resolution at 2023 LWVUS State Convention