Our public libraries have become lightning rods for the culture wars. Just as many libraries are striving to ensure that their collections are relevant to the growing diversity of the public they serve, there are emerging forces determined to ban books, demonize librarians, and defund the libraries themselves. It may surprise you to know that most public libraries are nonprofit entities that are NOT fully supported by tax dollars. With public libraries serving not only an educational function but also an important human service role in our communities, what can private funders do to support these critical institutions as they cope with unprecedented threats?
In this session you’ll hear directly from two public librarians- Anne M. Frank of the Wissahickon Valley Public Library and Margie Stern of the Indian Valley Public Library- who will share insights into the role their libraries play in their changing communities and the implications of being caught in the crosshairs of the culture wars. You’ll also hear from Diana Doherty of the VNA Foundation of Greater North Penn about why that foundation funds public libraries as a component of their community health and inclusion strategy, and how your foundation could get involved.
This event is open to Philanthropy Network members.
Resources articles:
- [PPT] Libraries Under Attack session slide deck - prepared by Anne Frank, Margie Stern and Diana Doherty
- [video] Inside The Indian Valley Public Library
- [article] Philanthropy's history of funding libraries -via Inside Philanthropy
- [article] Local newspaper coverage regarding efforts to defund Indian Valley Public Library
- [article] Illinois bill to ban book banning
Recording