Opening next week at the Film Forum, The Librarians is a rallying call for intellectual freedom, diverse voices, and the urgent need to protect the most basic tenet of democracy; the right to read.
We are super proud to be releasing The Librarians opening October 3 at Film Forum in New York City before moving to Los Angeles and then nationwide. The Librarians is more than a film about book banning—it’s a powerful reminder that controlling ideas means controlling communities.
The response has been incredible – opening night at Film Forum is already sold out – and the trailer went viral with over a million views across platforms in the first ten days.
After premiering to standing ovations at Sundance 2025, the film played in fests around the world winning Best Documentary at Sarasota, Dallas International, and the Audience Award at Seattle International among others.
Why This Story Had to Be Told Now
Director Kim A. Snyder grew up in rural Pennsylvania where, she recalls, “books and libraries saved me, shaping my belief in intellectual freedom.” When she first learned about Texas’s Krause List in 2021—targeting over 850 titles on race, sexuality, and gender—she knew she had to act.
“This story must be told now to remind us of the core principles that uphold democracy. The brave librarians at the frontlines are risking their careers and freedom to protect access to information and defend our rights.” – Kim A. Snyder
In states like Texas, Florida, and Louisiana, book bans are escalating at an unprecedented rate. School boards and library meetings have become battlegrounds where extremist movements push to criminalize librarians and authors’ work. As the film reveals, librarians have become unlikely defenders of democracy—everyday heroes standing up for intellectual freedom despite harassment and personal risk.
Librarians have always been far more than caretakers of shelves—they are guardians of democracy and stewards of collective memory. In towns big and small, librarians ensure that every person, regardless of background or belief, can freely explore ideas, histories, and voices. When those shelves are censored, it’s not just the books that disappear—it’s the possibility for understanding, empathy, and informed citizenship.
The Librarians reveals how ordinary people—school librarians, small-town library directors, and parent allies—are facing harassment, threats, and even laws that could criminalize their work simply for upholding intellectual freedom. Their stand is a reminder that democracy is not sustained by politicians or courts alone, but by our community willing to protect access to information for all.
As the events around us confirm – this is more important now than ever. It is more essential that diverse stories matter, that young readers deserve to see themselves reflected on the page, and that no one group should dictate which ideas are permissible.
We’re partnering with libraries across the country to create events and talk backs around these critical issues. So, bring a friend. Talk openly about what’s at stake. Because when stories are silenced, the communities and identities they represent are silenced too. And when we defend the freedom to read, we defend the very foundations of an open, democratic society.
Where to Watch & How to Get Involved
- Film Forum, NYC – Opens Friday, Oct 3. Tickets available here.
- Laemmle, LA – Opens Thursday, Oct 9. Tickets available here.
- London, UK – Opens Friday, Sept 26th. Tickets available here.
A national rollout will follow, with additional cities and filmmaker Q&A events—find a screening in a city near you.https://jonreiss.substack.com/p/the-librarians-defending-books-democracy