Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Join PBS Books & Librarian, Heather-Marie Montilla for a timely and thoughtful conversation with Daniel Montgomery, Executive Director of the American Library Association (ALA), as they explore the enduring importance of libraries and librarians in shaping American society, culture, and civic life.
Together, they will discuss the powerful new Independent Lens film The Librarians, streaming on the PBS Documentaries YouTube channel and PBS app. The documentary examines how librarians across the United States are increasingly finding themselves on the frontlines of public conversations about access to information, education, and community values. Drawing on historical context and current events, the film highlights how librarians navigate challenges surrounding library collections while continuing their mission to serve their communities.
Montilla and Montgomery will also reflect on the previously released Independent Lens documentary Free for All: The Public Library, which traces the inspiring history of the public library movement. From the pioneering women who helped establish the “Free Library Movement” to today’s librarians working to keep libraries open, welcoming, and accessible to all, the film celebrates the individuals who helped build one of America’s most enduring civic institutions.
The conversation will also highlight PBS Books’ Filmmaker Talks, featuring insights from Kim A. Snyder, director and producer of The Librarians, and Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor, creators of Free for All: The Public Library. Through these discussions, audiences will gain a deeper understanding of the vision behind these films and why their stories resonate so strongly today.
This conversation highlights the vital role libraries continue to play as community anchors—places where knowledge, curiosity, and opportunity remain open to everyone.
Explore our website: pbsbooks.org
Subscribe to our newsletter: pbsbooks.org/subscribe
Join the Readers Club: facebook.com/groups/pbsbooksreadersclub
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#pbsbooks #pbs #author #bookclub #books #ALA #americanlibraryassociation #library #librarians #danielmontgomery
Join PBS Books & Librarian, Heather-Marie Montilla for a timely and thoughtful conversation with Daniel Montgomery, Executive Director of the American Library Association (ALA), as they explore the enduring importance of libraries and librarians in shaping American society, culture, and civic life.
Together, they will discuss the powerful new Independent Lens film The Librarians, streaming on the PBS Documentaries YouTube channel and PBS app. The documentary examines how librarians across the United States are increasingly finding themselves on the frontlines of public conversations about access to information, education, and community values. Drawing on historical context and current events, the film highlights how librarians navigate challenges surrounding library collections while continuing their mission to serve their communities.
Montilla and Montgomery will also reflect on the previously released Independent Lens documentary Free for All: The Public Library, which traces the inspiring history of the public library movement. From the pioneering women who helped establish the “Free Library Movement” to today’s librarians working to keep libraries open, welcoming, and accessible to all, the film celebrates the individuals who helped build one of America’s most enduring civic institutions.
The conversation will also highlight PBS Books’ Filmmaker Talks, featuring insights from Kim A. Snyder, director and producer of The Librarians, and Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor, creators of Free for All: The Public Library. Through these discussions, audiences will gain a deeper understanding of the vision behind these films and why their stories resonate so strongly today.
This conversation highlights the vital role libraries continue to play as community anchors—places where knowledge, curiosity, and opportunity remain open to everyone.
Explore our website: pbsbooks.org
Subscribe to our newsletter: pbsbooks.org/subscribe
Join the Readers Club: facebook.com/groups/pbsbooksreadersclub
Support us: pbsbooks.org/donate
Find your next book: pbsbooks.org/bookshop
#pbsbooks #pbs #author #bookclub #books #ALA #americanlibraryassociation #library #librarians #danielmontgomery
