We are here for you

Today I attended the annual Illinois Library Association's legislative luncheon. This was my second time attending this event, and though it was the same place and mostly the same attendees, it was markedly different. Last year, most of the lunch was spent talking about the lack of a state budget. While the sorry state of the IL budget was reviewed, it was not the focus of the event.


Me with State Senator Jim Oberweis February 12th, 2016
This year, the event was unexpectedly focused on the roles of libraries and librarians. My cup of tea indeed. Unsurprisingly, the legislators present had positive things to say about libraries and librarians. What was surprising, however, was their belief in the library as a "Cradle of Democracy" (Lankes, 2012). I recorded a few noteworthy quotes of the luncheon, however, I will first quote Andrew Carnegie (as one does when writing about libraries):

"There is no such a cradle of democracy upon the earth as the Free Public Library, this republic of letters, where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration." (qtd in Lankes, 2012)

Less eloquently: libraries are for everybody. I will also add that librarians are an integral part of the preservation of democracy. Librarians help ensure equitable access, which includes knowing the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and thus defending and upholding Intellectual Freedom (the American Library Association (ALA) has an office devoted to it).

Here are a few fantastic quotes from James LaRue, ALA's Director of the Office for Intellectual Freedom:

"Librarians remain the best defense against intolerance."
"School librarians are far cheaper than failure."
"Believe in the power of literacy to save and inform our nation."

 Wow. YES. Did you know that my national professional association, the ALA, has a Code of Ethics?

A couple of more quotes from today:

"[Librarians are] knowledge engineers...and now defenders of knowledge." -Steven Andersson, IL House District 65

"All are welcome here." -Kathleen Willis, IL House District 77 (She also holds a Master of Library Science!!!)

"We Are Here for You." -Illinois Library Association

The round button says "Know the First Amendment"

Though there was mention of facts vs. alternative facts, the meeting was non-partisan. I've found most people are generally supportive of libraries in one way or another. Most people would probably be surprised, however, to find that librarians are not demure keepers of books and perpetual "shush-ers." Librarians (like teachers) want an informed populace and responsible citizens. We are here for you.

Lankes, R. D. (2012). Expect more: demanding Better Libraries for Today's Complex World. Jamesville, NY.

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