The connection between politics and libraries is a reality that is becoming increasingly important for information professionals to study and become proficient at navigating. Countries around the world are struggling with similar issues, with a rise in right-wing politics affecting libraries across the globe (Hanell, Carlsson, Engström, & Hansson, 2025). With the rise of right-wing politicians arguing against public access to facts, knowledge, and information are key to a well-functioning democracy, institutions that value these must fight to justify their existence. We have seen this already with PBS, where federal funding cuts have shocked many Americans. So how do we build community in an ever divided country?
In Beyond Buzzwords Ten Invitations to Build Library Connection and Community, Michael Stephens suggests several techniques for building community. One that struck me was how we engage online. So many posts are simply talking at you. There is no dialogue. Stephens suggests that we use social media to “foster authentic dialogue” (Stephens, 2025). Rather than simply publishing a post, engage with users. Don’t be afraid of their responses!
Even when engaging with patrons who have views that oppose our own, we must remain neutral and provide the best possible service. Kellian Clink, a librarian who is also a lesbian, describes an encounter with a student in her library where he was looking for information on a paper he was writing opposing gay marriage. “I don’t want his expectation of an informational request turning into an involuntary lesson on the evils of homophobia,” she says, reflecting that she wants to remain a resource for that student and hopefully help him grow in his understanding of those who are different than he is (Clink, 2011).
Building community can be tricky, especially when politics and differing beliefs can be daunting. That is why networking with other librarians is a good starting point (American Alliance of Museums, 2017). How are other libraries navigating these issues? We can share what works, what doesn’t work, and rely on each other to build stronger connections. This will ultimately have a greater impact on our own libraries and our ability to build solid community.
References
Clink, K. (2011). When is the Personal not Professional? An Exploration. In T. Nectoux (Ed.), Out Behind the Desk (pp. 219–231). Library Juice Press.
Hanell, F., Carlsson, H., Engström, L., & Hansson, J. (2025). Canaries of Democracy: The Role of Public Libraries in Times of Political Turmoil. Public Library Quarterly, 44(2), 198–222. https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2024.2385741
Professional Networks. (2017, December 18). American Alliance of Museums. https://www.aam-us.org/programs/about-aam/professional-networks/
Stephens, M. (2025). Beyond Buzzwords Ten Invitations to Build Library Connection and Community.