The Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA) stands in solidarity with the President of the American Library Association (ALA), APALA member, and librarian Emily Drabinski following decisions of the Montana State Library commission, Missouri State Library, Texas State Library and Archives Commission, and Alabama Public Library Service to withdraw from the American Library Association (ALA) over concerns regarding Drabinski’s identity and politics.
The actions of aforementioned State library agencies are indicative of a troubling trend of homophobia and censorship targeting libraries and information institutions. These withdrawals come in response to a 2022 tweet by Drabinski in which she identifies herself as a “Marxist lesbian.” Additionally, amid discourse regarding its withdrawal from ALA, Alabama Governor Ivey went as far as to reject ALA’s Library Bill of Rights for its protections of privacy for young readers, meanwhile State Rep. DuBose has called for age-restricted access to library materials based on LGBTQ+ character identities and narratives. Similarly, Texas Rep. Harrison claimed ALA’s fight against censorship as being a reason to withdraw from ALA.
These political moves will sadly have a detrimental impact on library user communities. By withdrawing from ALA membership, the Montana State Library is choosing to relinquish access to resources that help provide their constituents with essential library services, such as information access and broadband connectivity. Furthermore, the Florida Department of State has restricted continuation of grant projects associated with ALA.
APALA disapproves of the suspension of equity and justice in library services for the suppression of diversity of thought. We consider the withdrawals of the Montana State Library commision, Missouri State Library, Texas State Library and Archives Commission, and Alabama Public Library Service from ALA to be direct attempts to restrict intellectual freedom and diversity within public institutions. APALA stands firmly in support of ALA President Emily Drabinski and her rights to freedom of expression and identity.
In her acceptance statement for being named to the 2023 Out100 List, Drabinski said,
As an out and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ library community, I share this honor with all of us… Recognition of our crucial contribution to public life means even more as so many of us face threats to our livelihoods and to our right to read, especially books by or about LGBTQIA+ people.
In alignment with the ALA Library Bill of Rights, APALA fully embraces equity, diversity, and inclusion and believes that…
Libraries are essential to democracy and self-government, to personal development and social progress, and to every individual’s inalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. To that end, libraries and library workers should embrace equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything that they do. (adopted 2017)
Furthermore, APALA considers critical librarianship to be essential as we work toward embracing equity, inclusion, and justice within our communities, and in sustaining the future of our democratic values. Critical librarianship is the process which guides us through continually examining the systems and structures upon which information institutions are founded, so that we can advocate for changes which seek to empower all information users with access to knowledge and context that affirms the humanity of everyone. We consider statements by politicians who do not support the “direction” of the profession or ALA as direct attempts to undermine critical librarianship and critical pedagogy. However, APALA continues to firmly stand for intellectual freedom, critical librarianship, and supports ALA President Drabinski.
CALL TO ACTION:
Take action and Unite Against Book Bans.
Sign the Letter of Support for President Drabinski using this link.
Editors Note: Previous versions of this statement incorrectly listed the Florida Library Association and state library associations as withdrawing from the American Library Association (ALA). We have corrected these errors.