And the Apocalypse Arrived
Solving Problems in America by using Libraries
Today, I attended CAIS2025, which was kindly offered virtually to those around the world. And the keynote speaker, Emily Drabinski, spoke in her talk "Libraries at the End of the World" about a very meaningful notice I wanted to bring to the public.
Emily Drabinski spoke about actions taken by libraries across the US to address inequality and battling hopelessness in a challenging place that the US has become. Through her travels, she found libraries offering tiny but meaningful programmes which brought a bit of light into people's worlds. Tiny apocalypses happen to individuals all the time, where their worlds are torn up, and libraries help build those back up.
But as it stands, libraries are existing in a storm in the United States. They are facing a wave of challenges and cuts to their programmes and continued survival. Most of this is coming because of the current leads within the United States. There is little space for houses of information under the current administration.
When I attended my first library hosted event, in 2022, I was faced by a similar cry. It was just softer. But now, by 2025, the cry became a scream. There is a fight that libraries are participating in to bring needed resources to the public, whether that be libraries of things which offer seeds to grow your own food or tools to repair your home, to libraries that offer services which help the unhoused back on their feet and those recently released from prisons to find things to hold onto. It's hard to grasp what is needed in society when all of that is at risk.
What can be done? Often, library boards are who are making the bulk of decisions regarding within the States. Republican takeovers of these boards are quite common. So, if you have the ability, run for your local library or school board. They will help make decisions that effect your children, you, and your family. And having your voice be heard in the library board meetings can be just as powerful.
Supporting your local library, either monetarily or by bringing your service to them shows that they have use. Just because you know your library is needed doesn't mean that they can show it to the government if you never go there. Often, it can be as simple as writing a letter of support to your library itself. Libraries can then use these letters later, when they have to defend that their services are being used and that their employees are doing a good job. It can prove to be very useful. Include in the letter how your library, library system, or a particular librarian has helped you. An email will do, but a physical letter will also go a long way.
Make your voice heard - both for libraries and for the free and equitable distribution of information. What is happening in the States effects everything, not just budget or immigration. It has ripple effects across sectors and libraries stand as an important port in a turbulent ocean. If you have the ability, attend a library board meeting, if they are open to the public. Speak on behalf of the library and all the good things it is doing for your community. Encourage them to do more, in fact, as interest in more events in addition to what is already happening can prove to be very useful and healthy for the system.
If you do not have a local library, consider creating a neighborhood system to loan out tools, books, and other implements to help those around you. This can foster community as well as start an amazing service for those who need it.
And finally, be kind to one another. Libraries are a safe space; a place where you can retreat and feel like you don't have to be anyone in particular. When things get hard, make sure libraries continue to exist in hard times.
About the Creator
Minte Stara
Small writer and artist who spends a lot of their time stuck in books, the past, and probably a library.
Currently I'm working on my debut novel What's Normal Here, a historical/fantasy romance.
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