Sundance Review: The Librarians Effectively Chronicles Our Eroding Democracy and the Individuals Battling to Preserve It.
Kim A. Snyder’s documentary, The Librarians, offers a detailed examination of the well-funded, right-wing political factions' objective to restrict access to books across the nation and highlights those fighting against this trend in defense of anti-censorship. Although it includes some expected elements—such as quotes from Fahrenheit 451 and interviews that provide context—the film stands out for its thorough investigative work and concise narrative. If you have been curious about how we arrived at this point, The Librarians provides the answers.
The narrative centers around women librarians as the protagonists, with Amanda Jones being a prominent figure. After publicly opposing book bans in Louisiana libraries, she established the Louisiana Citizens Against Censorship in 2022 and has faced considerable harassment as a result. Additionally, there is Suzette Baker, a librarian from Texas who was dismissed for her refusal to remove books from her library.
The documentary features cleverly used archival footage from past libraries, mainly in the form of useful black-and-white public service announcements, which emphasize both the significance of librarians and the fragile state of our current political climate. In an environment where books presenting alternative viewpoints or lifestyles are viewed as threatening or offensive, free thought and exploration are suppressed. Before the advent of film, books served as powerful tools for fostering empathy among the public. Libraries function as public services in an era when such services are often undervalued and dismissed as unnecessary.
A critical aspect of The Librarians is its analytical depth. This is a film deeply rooted in research, which fits well with the librarians’ skill set, as research is a key component of their profession. Compelling narratives unfold within the larger context: a gay son returns to his hometown to protest against censorship at the local library, while his prejudiced mother, who has severed ties with him, is present, staunchly opposed to his every word. Additionally, a preacher attends a public meeting to challenge a panel of individuals who oppose his beliefs.
The editing maintains a quick tempo, building toward a familiar denouement: these so-called "grassroots" far-right groups, such as Moms for Liberty, are financed by the wealthiest individuals in the country. An extended interview with a librarian, partially obscured in shadow, fails to have the impact it could have, yet the documentary successfully presents the facts and showcases the courageous individuals striving to preserve access to books in libraries and promote open-mindedness among young readers.
The Librarians debuted at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.
Grade: B+
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Sundance Review: The Librarians Effectively Chronicles Our Eroding Democracy and the Individuals Battling to Preserve It.
Kim A. Snyder's documentary, The Librarians, offers an in-depth exploration of the concerted efforts by well-funded, right-wing political organizations to ban books across the country, as well as the individuals who oppose this movement in the name of anti-censorship. While the film incorporates familiar elements such as quotes from Fahrenheit 451 and interviews that provide background, it stands out due to its extensive research.