School libraries have always been places where students find their voices, ask big questions, and start to understand the world—and themselves—a little better. That’s always been their magic. And today, libraries now extend far beyond brick and mortar. Through digital libraries, eBook platform, and online databases, students can access thousands of titles any time, from anywhere. That’s life-changing, especially for students in rural communities or for those who may not feel safe checking out a certain title in person. Digital collections give students privacy and autonomy, which can be a lifeline for kids exploring tough topics or seeking to better understand themselves.
But in recent years, school libraries have become something even more critical: a frontline for defending democracy.
Why access matters more than ever
At a time when access to information is being restricted, school librarians are doing everything we can to keep the doors open—literally and figuratively. We’re making sure students can still read widely, explore freely, and develop the kind of critical thinking skills that prepare them to participate in society. Because if students can’t ask questions, read diverse perspectives, or engage with ideas that challenge them, what kind of future are we building?
In many districts, especially those that are underfunded or remote, the school library is the only library students have access to at all. That means we have a huge responsibility: to offer books that meet academic needs and build collections that reflect our students’ identities and lived experiences. A strong library—print and digital—invites curiosity, fosters empathy, and tells kids: you belong here.
The subtle shape of censorship
Of course, all of that is getting harder. Now, book challenges rarely begin with someone who’s read the full text. More often, someone’s seen a headline, a quote taken out of context, or a list of “banned” titles and jumped to a conclusion… and we’re off.
But censorship doesn’t always announce itself with a loud challenge or a formal complaint. Often, it shows up quietly: in the hesitation to order a particular title, the pressure to avoid controversy or the fear that one book might bring a parent’s anger down on a school. When librarians start second-guessing themselves, it’s not just a professional problem, it’s a student access issue.
The documentary “Banned Together,” for instance, showcases the real-world impact of these challenges and the immense pressure librarians are under. Similarly, the forthcoming feature documentary “The Librarians” captures both the passion and the peril of this work, following school and public librarians on the frontlines of the censorship crisis. The film underscores what many of us know firsthand: that librarians are not just defending books, they’re defending the very idea of inquiry and access in a democracy.
And those access issues disproportionately affect students who already have fewer opportunities to see themselves reflected in the curriculum or the broader culture.
That’s why strong collection development policies are more important than ever. Policies should clearly lay out how materials are selected, how concerns are addressed and what the review process looks like when a challenge occurs. Because when those who are challenging a book are encouraged to read the book for themselves and engage with it thoughtfully, things tend to shift. They often see the value. And when there’s a clear, consistent process in place for reviewing concerns, everyone can take a breath, slow down and approach the situation with a little more perspective.
Just as importantly, school and district leaders need to understand and support those policies when things are calm and when the heat is on. Having the backing of an administrator who trusts the librarian’s expertise and process makes all the difference. It turns a potentially volatile situation into a productive conversation.
What students, librarians and leaders can do together
Librarians are more than “book people.” We’re instructional leaders. We co-teach research skills, model how to vet sources, support digital literacy and help students navigate a complicated, often overwhelming information landscape. That work is foundational to everything else happening in schools and it’s directly tied to how students learn to participate in society. In an era of misinformation and polarization, giving students the tools to think critically and ask better questions is one of the most powerful forms of civic education we have.
And students are rising to meet this moment. Across the country, we’re seeing student-led banned book clubs, library advisory boards and social media campaigns where young people advocate for their right to read. They’re stepping up, speaking out and leading with a clarity that’s both humbling and hopeful.
Supporting these students—and the librarians who serve them—requires real partnership. School and district leaders play a key role in protecting intellectual freedom, but they can’t do it from the sidelines. They need to be at the table: learning alongside librarians, standing with them during challenges, and helping build the systems that ensure students are supported long-term. That’s why AASL and other organizations have created training materials, presentation tools and advocacy resources to help administrators and librarians work as a team.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: libraries are essential. They’re about more than literacy. Libraries are about identity, agency and citizenship. They are one of the few places in schools—whether physical or digital—where students can explore without being tested, where they can read without judgment and where they can build the kind of intellectual independence that lasts a lifetime.
So yes, the work is hard. But librarians aren’t new to hard. We’ve always been the quiet keepers of democracy. And we’re not backing down now.
Opinions expressed by SmartBrief contributors are their own.
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