This 4th of July, I wanted to reflect on not just
our patriotic liberties, but also on our intellectual liberties. We live in a
country where we can be outspoken about our beliefs.
Librarians are the last group of people to judge. If a patron wants the most
controversial book on the planet, then by all means, we let them have it. We
will even guide them to the correct nonfiction call number. Books have been censored,
challenged, and banned for years, because they record the human condition, and
tell stories not everyone wants to hear.
Librarians empower patrons to become critical
thinkers. It’s intellectual freedom. It’s okay to find a book on vaccines to
become more educated about them. It’s okay to want books on how to become more
environmentally friendly. It doesn’t matter in a library if you are a democrat
or a republican- you will still get the same policies on overdue books.
It was a thought that triggered the American Revolution and
the fight for Independence. The founding fathers were also well-read- have you
looked at Jefferson’s personal library? Just think how much more we could do
for our country- and for the world- if we encouraged people to read more?
Thank a veteran or someone in active service for protecting our freedoms to think, and to read.
