From Safe Haven to Battleground: Book Banning in the Public Library

By: Liv Tees and Morgan Carter

Libraries have become a battleground over public access to information and what materials are considered inappropriate for young children — despite sentiments that free speech should protect libraries from such scrutiny.

Public libraries have long been known as community spaces with access to abundant resources that people can use freely. But with recent movements to remove books from libraries in parts of the U.S., especially the South, these third spaces are at risk. Advocates on both sides of the issue in Louisiana want to create safe spaces but claim the methods of the other side are counterproductive.

Michael Lunsford, executive director of Citizens for a New Louisiana — a nonprofit organization focused on government transparency in tax and spending policies — said the purpose of these movements is to show how public funds are spent and to prohibit sexually-explicit materials from infiltrating children sections in public and school libraries 

“Why are we spending taxpayer money to put vulgar materials in front of children that are so vulgar that the committee in the Legislature doesn't want to look at it?” Lunsford said.

Opponents argue that book banning efforts undercut the libraries’ role as open and inclusive environments.

Lynette Mejia, founder of Louisiana Citizens Against Censorship, highlights some of the challenges libraries are facing.

“We've had things like mass book ban requests,” Mejia said. “We’ve had state legislation filed to criminalize libraries and librarians. We’ve had harassment of librarians.”

The words “free, equal, and diverse” were removed from the library's mission statement in Lafayette, La.,  at the demand of censorship groups in 2024.

The banning of books and the rise of censorship takes away the library’s feeling of being a free third space, according to Sonnet Ireland, the library director at Washington Parish Library north of New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain.

“Book banning absolutely is damaging that third space, and it may not seem like it, but the tension of having people demonize librarians and the library, it makes it a tenser space,” Ireland said. “The hostile environment created by these actions can make the library feel less safe for both staff and patrons, even those not directly involved in the debates.”

Both Mejia and Ireland stressed the importance of citizens being informed about local issues to protect their libraries. Being involved and attending board meetings helps shape the future of these spaces.

“Even if your library has not had any problems with some of these, it's still important to pay attention to how your library is governed,” Mejia said.