How Libraries Uphold Democracy: From the 1700s to Today

Friends Foundation

How Libraries Uphold Democracy: From the 1700s to Today

ESPECIALLY PREPARED FOR MAJOR SUPPORTERS OF THE DENVER PUBLIC LIBRARY FRIENDS FOUNDATION

“I have an unshaken conviction that democracy can never be undermined if we maintain our library resources and a national intelligence capable of utilizing them.”

-Franklin D. Roosevelt

_________________________________________________________________________


HISTORY OF LIBRARIES & DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS

The history of libraries in the United States dates back to the early 1700s, well before the country was established as a sovereign nation. In 1731, Benjamin Franklin encouraged friends to store books in one designated place where they could be shared among their social circle. Then, the Library Company of Philadelphia collected money and used it to expand the collection, which was especially critical at a time when books were expensive and rare. 

Benjamin Franklin believed that the general public should be able to read a wide range of books and information. In 1786, he donated a personal collection of his own books to Franklin, Massachusetts, where residents decided that any town resident could borrow books for free. Thus, the first library was born in the United States. 

Shortly thereafter, a prominent statesman remarked, “At their core, libraries uphold the principles of American democracy, intellectual freedom, First Amendment rights, and a commitment to serving all people who come through the doors of the library.” Although American society, culture, and institutions have evolved significantly since then, the public library remains a place that upholds these fundamental principles. 

HOW MODERN LIBRARIES UPHOLD DEMOCRACY

For hundreds of years, public libraries have been cornerstones of democracy in the United States, ensuring the democratization of information so that people have access to knowledge, resources, education, and a diverse range of voices and sources. Unfortunately, libraries have become one of the institutions in the United 

States that have been challenged through book bans and the vast spread of misinformation. Throughout time, oppressive regimes have used book and library burning for centuries to eradicate problematic ideas and dispirit populations by destroying culture.  

In 2024, The Urban Libraries Council, an organization dedicated to strengthening and advancing public libraries, put forth a declaration for building policies that uphold and protect democracy locally and nationally. It reads:

Democracy is under siege throughout the world and close to home. Daily, we witness assaults on fundamental freedoms and human rights we’ve long cherished as books are banned, programs and events are canceled, disinformation and misinformation spread unchecked, and racism is institutionalized. Democracy’s future is diminished when people’s access to power, information, a diversity of voices, and the ability to influence policy are restricted. As cornerstones of democracy, it is incumbent upon libraries to stand up against all efforts to impede the democratic process and limit full participation in civic life.

As censorship and book bans increase, access to diverse perspectives and voices decreases. With this trend, public libraries have become increasingly critical as trusted sources of information that continue to house materials and collections representing a wide array of viewpoints. Today, more than 80% of Americans report being concerned that American democracy is threatened. Trust in institutions across the United States is declining, including the government, healthcare and criminal justice systems, journalism, and Congress. However, libraries remain a trusted institution. In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, 78% of Americans feel that public libraries help them find trustworthy information.   

The UNESCO Public Libraries Manifesto states that "The library is a prerequisite to let citizens make use of their right to information and freedom of speech. Free access to information is necessary in a democratic society for open debate and creation of public opinion." 

ACCESS TO CIVIC SPACES IS KEY TO DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION

The heart of a democracy lies in its people and strong civic spaces, such as a library, where they can come together with friends, neighbors, and other community members. A 2023 advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General highlights “Strengthening Social Infrastructure in Local Communities” as one of six vital pillars necessary to ensure social connection.

Among other societal benefits, public spaces like libraries' ability to facilitate social connections significantly enhance the development of genuine connections between individuals and decreases a community’s risk of social isolation, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic and continues to be a challenge for communities. 

Additionally, the increasing reliance on digital platforms for information sharing and social interaction brings advantages and challenges to our daily lives, local communities, and global culture. Benefits can include faster access to information and more opportunities for exchanging ideas. However, challenges include difficulties verifying information, spreading misinformation and disinformation, and potential adverse effects on real-life social connections. Libraries mitigate these detrimental effects in the digital age by fostering in-person connection and access to information within their shared spaces. 

The library offers in-person opportunities for self-expression, social interaction, and community engagement, effectively humanizing transactions. The benefits of this kind of physical interaction are to build social capital, enabling a society to function more effectively. Library programs and services can create new pathways for different community members to interact informally, which can cultivate trust and a stronger sense of community, ultimately leading to greater civic participation and more vital institutions. 

DENVER PUBLIC LIBRARY’S ROLE IN UPHOLDING DEMOCRACY

With the recent election, Denverites navigated a very robust ballot. Denver Public Library provided a range of resources and information to aid voters. These included online resources and links to crucial information, such as voter registration verification and a timeline of dates in October and November leading up to the election. The library also has ballot drop boxes at many locations. With so much misinformation, DPL’s website distills resources and information to provide credible local news sources to help guide voters as they research various ballot initiatives and candidates. 

The Denver Public Library also offers programs that help people decipher what is misinformation and how to determine what is false and accurate information. Library patrons can also meet one-on-one with librarians to get assistance navigating information and resources to find reliable information and news. Digital navigators can also be an aid in filtering digital information on social media and other platforms and discovering online resources that are credible and vetted, including eBooks and other digital content available through Denver Public Library. 

Aside from being a trusted source of information, Denver Public Library is a place where anyone can go and meet other people, learn, explore, and thrive. Library buildings provide sanctuary for all, and as people curate their worlds to interact with only those who are like them, the library brings together a diverse community and perspectives, upholding a pillar of democracy: public spaces and social capital. 

CONCLUSION

In the United States and countries worldwide where democracies flourish, the key elements are shared public spaces, access to accurate information and resources, the ability to vet information for accuracy, and the ability to participate in selecting representatives. For centuries, libraries in the United States have provided and upheld these pillars of democracy and continue to do so today. As book bans, misinformation, and social isolation spread, the purpose of libraries is even more critical to the knitting of democracy and social capital for communities today. 

Sources:

Start typing and press enter to search