2026 ILPU The Librarians - LIM

Drawing on historical context, The Librarians explores the broader implications for education and public life. Librarians across the U.S. examine how book review policies are shaping their communities. When Texas lawmakers seek to review a list of books, librarians find themselves on the frontlines of a national battle. Across the U.S., librarians face the impact of uniting against library collection standards that include restrictions on race-related and LGBTQIA+ content.

A panel follows the screening with local librarians discussing the film and its themes with the audience.

Jenny Bloom, Library Director, Port Jefferson Free Library. Jenny joined the Library Profession driven by a belief that Libraries should serve their communities as the modern community center and a source for inspiration with a focus on removing obstacles to access and supporting all Patron's rights to privacy and intellectual freedom. As a public library Director, Bloom has navigated book challenges from Patrons in Long Island and in the Seattle Area and is committed to supporting a community's freedom to read.

Frank McKenna is the Director of the Seaford Public Library. He has served on the New York [State] Library Association's (NYLA) Intellectual Freedom Committee and Round Table, as well as the Nassau County Library Association's Intellectual Freedom Committee. Recently, he was awarded the NYLA Lifetime Achievement Award at its Annual Conference in Saratoga Springs. He has coordinated and hosted the NYLA Annual Conference's Intellectual Freedom for Breakfast program where nationally known authors and IF activists have spoken and inspired attendees.

The Gillespie Room is located inside the Carriage Museum building on the Long Island Museum campus. The room is climate controlled due to the delicacy of the exhibits. Please bring a sweater or jacket for warmth and comfort.

Watch the trailer here: America’s Battle Over Books