Public libraries are my passion, and I hope to make a big impact through my work in them, just as public libraries and the people who work in them have made a big impact on me. My mission is to protect public libraries from censorship, to protect the privacy and freedom of patrons, and to create spaces that are safe and accessible to everyone in the communities we serve.
Why Public Libraries?
Public libraries are a cornerstone to a democratic society, they provide equitable access to information for every resident of the nation to become educated on matters of interest without the barrier of having to spend money. Public libraries are one of the few places left in American society where anyone can come to learn, create, relax, or socialize without the expectation of spending money. Public libraries are democratic, non-partisan institutions that provide people with reliable information in an age where so much false information exists. They are also community hubs: providing services, classes, and spaces for all of the groups that make up their community. In a world of disconnect, information overload, a digital divide, economic strife, and under-funded or unaffordable education systems, public libraries fill the gaps in social services. It is vitally important to society and to humankind that we protect these spaces wherever they exist.
Equity and Inclusion
Public libraries are supposed to be for everyone, they were founded with the noble goal of providing free reading materials to citizens across the country, and we keep finding better ways we could be supporting the patrons we serve. As an aspiring librarian it is my mission to make sure we are providing equitable access to all library users. Library spaces should be ADA accessible and welcoming to patrons with disabilities. We should be celebrating diversity and inclusion on our shelves and in our actions and policies. Public libraries should be a safe place for patrons of any political party and any demographic to find information they need to achieve their goals in life. Each library and librarian should be going above and beyond to welcome and stand up for our patrons who have been systemically overlooked and mistreated by our society, and our patrons whose rights are being challenged. Equity and inclusion means providing the highest level of service and consideration to each person we serve. Everyone is welcome at the public library, and everyone is safe with me.
Take Action!
If you also are a big fan of public libraries and all of the good things that they do, here’s your chance to help. Learn more about the American Library Association, the Library Bill of Rights, Unite Against Book Bans, and ways you can support your local library. (Hint-get a library card!)
Brooklynn Coburn 