Book bans and censorship attempts. Challenges to displays and programming. Cuts to funding. At a time when the library’s mission is being scrutinized and politicized, library workers have been rightfully passionate about standing up for their values.
“We’re trying to uphold the tenets of intellectual freedom, we’re trying to have diverse collections, we’re trying to make sure people see themselves in the library,” said Kimberly B. Knight, director of Virginia Beach (Va.) Public Library. “[Staffers] want us to fight, they want us to stand up.… But we also want to speak strategically, tactically.”
Knight was one of three library directors who presented at “Leading Passionate, Engaged Staff through Uncertain Political Times,” a June 28 session at the American Library Association’s (ALA) 2025 Annual Conference and Exhibition in Philadelphia. She and her copresenters described the dilemmas leaders are currently facing—both external threats and internal pressures—and the tenuous balance they must strike to both address hot-button issues and controversies while validating and supporting employees.
“It’s tough, because sometimes as we do that delicate dance, it can cause some discomfort between leadership and staff,” Knight said. “How do we channel [their passion] in ways that benefit us?”
Knight noted that Virginia Beach is a right-leaning city and has received national attention for its book-banning efforts. Her public library continues to celebrate Banned Books Week, but with recent backlash, she’s asked her staff members to use alternate messaging for the observance.
“We’ve been celebrating Banned Books Week for years—this is not new,” Knight said. “We have asked our staff to tone it down: no blood on the walls, no caution tape, no jail cells.”
While Knight said that some staff members felt this new approach was “bowing down” to the public, she said that her goal was to keep the library open and providing services. “We want to have these stories for our communities and not be the stories.”
Even in Hoboken, New Jersey—a “blazing blue district,” says Jennie Pu, director of Hoboken Public Library (HPL)—book bans have arrived. “This was coming for us no matter where we lived,” she said.
In response, HPL decided to declare itself a book sanctuary city, which allows the library to craft a solution “that is local and makes sense for your community,” said Pu, noting that book sanctuary declarations may read differently in communities that are red or blue, rural or urban.
“[We] fought back against censorship in an organic, positive, and quiet way,” said Pu. “You’re standing up for the silent majority.”
Presenters recommended other ways that staff members could take part in fighting for their beliefs while not jeopardizing their status as government employees, such as by getting involved in the intellectual freedom committees of their state library associations, contributing Book Résumés, and volunteering on city boards and committees.
Clint S. Rudy, director of Suffolk (Va.) Public Library, also recommended that libraries prepare for controversies before they happen, such as through prepared talking points, scenarios, and role play.
“Staff training is critical,” said Rudy. “They are on the front lines, they see it every day.”
