Books have always shaped how I experience the world. Writers like Mark Twain and Toni Morrison, Walt Whitman and James Baldwin taught me something essential about our country’s character.
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Jul 25, 2023 — Jul 25, 2023
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To the dedicated and hardworking librarians of America:
In any democracy
the free exchange of ideas is an important part of making sure that citizens are informed
engaged and feel like their perspectives matter.
It’s so important
in fact
that here in America
the First Amendment of our Constitution states that freedom begins with our capacity to share and access ideas — even
and maybe especially
the ones we disagree with.
More often than not
someone decides to write those ideas down in a book.
Books have always shaped how I experience the world. Writers like Mark Twain and Toni Morrison
Walt Whitman and James Baldwin taught me something essential about our country’s character. Reading about people whose lives were very different from mine showed me how to step into someone else’s shoes. And the simple act of writing helped me develop my own identity — all of which would prove vital as a citizen
as a community organizer
and as president.
Today
some of the books that shaped my life — and the lives of so many others — are being challenged by people who disagree with certain ideas or perspectives. It’s no coincidence that these “banned books” are often written by or feature people of color
indigenous people
and members of the LGBTQ+ community — though there have also been unfortunate instances in which books by conservative authors or books containing “triggering” words or scenes have been targets for removal. Either way
the impulse seems to be to silence
rather than engage
rebut
learn from or seek to understand views that don’t fit our own.
I believe such an approach is profoundly misguided
and contrary to what has made this country great. As I’ve said before
not only is it important for young people from all walks of life to see themselves represented in the pages of books
but it’s also important for all of us to engage with different ideas and points of view.
It’s also important to understand that the world is watching. If America — a nation built on freedom of expression — allows certain voices and ideas to be silenced
why should other countries go out of their way to protect them? Ironically
it is Christian and other religious texts — the sacred texts that some calling for book bannings in this country claim to want to defend — that have often been the first target of censorship and book banning efforts in authoritarian countries.
Nobody understands that more than you
our nation’s librarians. In a very real sense
you’re on the front lines — fighting every day to make the widest possible range of viewpoints
opinions
and ideas available to everyone. Your dedication and professional expertise allow us to freely read and consider information and ideas
and decide for ourselves which ones we agree with.
That’s why I want to take a moment to thank all of you for the work you do every day — work that is helping us understand each other and embrace our shared humanity.
And it’s not just about books. You also provide spaces where people can come together
share ideas
participate in community programs
and access essential civic and educational resources. Together
you help people become informed and active citizens
capable of making this country what they want it to be.
And you do it all in a harsh political climate where
all too often
you’re attacked by people who either cannot or will not understand the vital — and uniquely American — role you play in the life of our nation.
So whether you just started working at a school or public library
or you’ve been there your entire career
Michelle and I want to thank you for your unwavering commitment to the freedom to read. All of us owe you a debt of gratitude for making sure readers across the country have access to a wide range of books
and all the ideas they contain.
Finally
to every citizen reading this
I hope you’ll join me in reminding anyone who will listen — and even some people you think might not — that the free
robust exchange of ideas has always been at the heart of American democracy. Together