The Librarians is a 2025 American documentary film that follows librarians in Texas, Florida, and other states as they unite to combat book banning in the United States.
As tensions escalate in communities where bans are proposed, librarians connect the dots from heated school and library board meetings nationwide to lay bare the underpinnings of extremism fueling the censorship efforts. Despite facing harassment, threats, and laws aimed at criminalizing their work, the librarians’ rallying cry for freedom to read is a chilling cautionary tale.
This Community Collaborations event by FilmScene is presented in collaboration with Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation.
After the film there will be a panel discussion of the film. Following this talkback, guests are invited to The Green House (505 E. Washington) for a community gathering and postcard-writing session to share the positive impact of libraries.
This is a "pay what you can" event with a suggested donation of $10. A second screening will be held next week on the evening of Tuesday, January 27.