For The People Newsletter Vol. XXI
For everyone working to strengthen and expand public libraries
Well, here we are.
If you’re reading this newsletter, you probably knew that no matter the outcome of this election, there would be work to do on the other side. This is unquestionably a worse outcome. It is one that will be harmful to people, many of whom are the most vulnerable among us.
It makes complete sense to feel disappointed, or sad, or fearful, or just plain exhausted. It sucks.
But perhaps - hopefully - you also feel some clarity. This is the country we’re in. This is the struggle before us. All the issues and problems that existed before November 5th still exist, and now we’ll be faced with new ones.
Here’s the good news: the solutions that existed before November 5th are also the same. We’re going to need a consistent and coordinated effort over the next few years to make a dent. For us here at FTP, the work is unchanged: getting folks to make connections to people in their communities, get involved, and build power around public libraries at the local level.
In this issue, we’re bringing you more information about how to do just that, and some personal stories from people who are stepping up for their local libraries.
We’re here to keep fighting, to keep imagining a better world and working to bring it into reality. We invite each of you reading these words to join us - you’re not alone.
Onwards!
FTP’s 2025 Candidate Cohort
One of our central goals at For The People is to build local governing power around public libraries. That means getting folks just like you elected and appointed to library boards, and building local coalitions who will fight to see their library systems fully funded and working in the best interests of the people.
Last year, For The People launched our first very successful candidate cohort, and now we’re offering it again!
Our 2025 cohort will offer twelve weeks of training to leftists who are running for local boards or seeking appointments, and is also open to current serving trustees. We’ll help you to:
Formulate your own individual plan for action as a board member;
Map your community’s local power structures;
Understand the history of public libraries in the US through a lens of anti-oppression work;
Learn essential skills for governance, like how to read financials, how to handle conflict effectively, and how to participate and run good public meetings;
And much more!
If you’re interested in applying for our 2025 cohort (or if you’ve already submitted an application), please join us at our COHORT OPEN HOUSE, on Thursday December 5th to learn more. You’ll hear from FTP organizers and past participants, and we’ll have an open Q&A to address all your questions.
To apply for the 2025 Cohort, complete our online application here—and congratulations on taking a huge step to defend public libraries!
Applications will be accepted until December 14, and interviews will be held in early January. Participation in the cohort is offered to participants at no cost; participants are expected to meet and uphold certain community agreements. Weekly training sessions will begin in the first half of February.
From Candidate Cohort to Trustee!
FTP’s 2024 candidate cohort is hard at work! Listen to Tracy Jackson and Chris Tebbens (both 2024 cohort participants) describe the library boards they now serve on as trustees, and how FTP helped them get there.
Tracy Jackson, Durham County Library Trustee
Chris Tebbens, Ypsilanti Library Trustee
Wear Your Support for Public Libraries!
Cross some gifts off your list while supporting FTP’s work to support and strengthen public libraries! We have two great t-shirt designs (here and here) for you to choose from--or buy them both!
Updates from Library Land
Here’s a roundup of interesting reading and listening material that we think you’ll appreciate. Sometimes articles may be paywalled. In other news, sometimes it’s nice to use tools like Archive.today or the Wayback Machine.
2024 Library Legislation Outcomes by and for EveryLibrary
Librarians Face a Crisis of Violence and Abuse by Christina Caron for The New York Times
Books Don’t Just Appear on Library Shelves: Book Censorship News, October 11, 2024 by Kelly Jensen for Book Riot
Happy Birthday Jimmy! James Baldwin, Zionism, Palestine, and Information Suppression at New York Public Library by NYC Public Library Workers
Anarchists in the Labor Movement #4 by Black Rose/Rosa Negra Anarchist Federation
Reflecting On One Year of Israeli Destruction to Archives, Libraries, and Museums in Gaza by Gretchen Alexander and Maggie Schreiner for CRTcollective
Who uses public libraries the most? There’s a divide by religion, and politics. by Andrew Van Dam for The Washington Post
Book banning activists target Little Free Libraries in Utah by Erin Alberty for Axios Salt Lake City
Bomb threat amid protest by right-wing group cancels drag story hour at a Somerville library by Julia Weeks for Cambridge Day
Federal judges allow Iowa book ban to take effect this school year by/for AP
A South Carolina Public Library Won’t Buy New Books for Those Under 18 by Kelly Jensen for Book Riot
The Seven Bill That Will Safeguard the Future of School Librarianship by John Chrastka for School Library Journal
'All perspectives are protected' | This Maryland library just became the state's first book sanctuary by Alanea Cremen for WUSA9
Banned Books 101: What Library Boards & Trustees Need to Know by Joyce McIntosh and Amelia Aldred for/with United for Libraries
I understand why people ban books by Lyz Lenz for Men Yell at Me
Libraries by and for Stop Project 2025 Comic
Upcoming Events of Interest
November 29th-December 5th: Read Palestine Week … https://x.com/arablit/status/1849375528572113095, https://www.haymarketbooks.org/blogs/495-free-ebooks-for-a-free-palestine
I attended my first local Friends of the Public Library member meeting today. I wouldn’t have even thought of doing this ever in my life without your writing about it.