Libraries: The Fascist Right’s New Boogie Man

Photo by Ishaq Robin on Unsplash

When we think of “controversial places,” political rallies might come to mind.

In some cases, depending on the speakers and topics, lectures can also be controversial.

Art can be controversial.

Associating with certain people can be controversial as well.

But going to a library?

What could possibly be controversial about that?

People visit libraries to read, research, surf the internet, attend author readings, study, and tutor.

Those of us with children remember them as places offering fun, educational activities.

Libraries and the staff who work at them aren’t typically at the forefront of political conflict.

Until now.

Some far-right republicans are outright threatening to shoot school librarians.

Yes, shoot.

Librarians.

Media watchdog Media Matters recently leaked audio from a “Moms for Liberty” meeting in Lonoke County, Arkansas in which Melissa “Missy” Bosch, the chapter head of communications and media, spouted:

“I’m telling you, if I was — any mental issues, they would all be plowed down with a freaking gun by now.”