QUESTION
How can we support librarians against fear tactics?
1:57:35
·
70 sec
Council Member Carlina Rivera asks Lauren Camito, Executive Director of Urban Librarians Unite, about ways to support librarians facing threats of violence and protests. Camito emphasizes the importance of council members' physical presence at events such as drag story hours, highlighting the solidarity shown when officials stand with librarians against accusations and protests. She notes funding is essential but values the direct support and presence of elected officials at such events, conveying a strong message of unity and support for the mission of libraries to serve all community members.
Carlina Rivera
1:57:35
I do want to ask Lauren a question, if that's okay.
1:57:38
It's just about you work directly with librarians.
1:57:41
We're talking libraries today?
Emily Drabinsky
1:57:42
Yes.
1:57:43
Absolutely.
Carlina Rivera
1:57:44
They are on the front lines of protecting books from threats of violence and angry protests.
1:57:50
These tactics are designed to create fear around books and libraries.
1:57:55
How can we support librarians without giving into these year tactics.
Lauren Camito
1:58:01
Well, I think everyone who came before may said funding.
1:58:06
So I'm actually not gonna say funding.
1:58:09
I'm gonna say it's always good when we see you guys out there with us.
1:58:15
When we're at an event or holding a drag story hour, and I know the counts like, council members come out to these events with us and stand with us as people scream at us that were pedophiles.
1:58:25
We appreciate it when you're there with us.
1:58:27
And I appreciate every time an elected official comes and stands with us and funds funds these programs and then stands with us as we deal with the ramifications of making sure that we are providing services to everyone in our community regardless of whether some people would prefer that we didn't.