Why is the Trump administration attacking libraries?
Growing up in Arlington, Washington, every Wednesday night at the Larsen household was library night.
We would pile into a Chevy Impala station wagon, made when cars didn't have seatbelts, and my Dad would drive us to the library. We would bring our stack of books we read in the last week, turn them in, and then check out more books for the next week. Libraries are very important to education and my family.
Larsen household library night built up my love for reading, which continues for me today. Fast forward a few decades, and rural libraries like the one I went to growing up continue to be a critical resource in Northwest Washington. In some cases, a library may be the only source of free internet in a community, and a place to borrow tools or resources beyond just books. Once again, the Trump administration is gaslighting the country. They say they are going after "waste, fraud, and abuse" in government spending — but they are actually attacking services that kids and families rely on.
Last month, I visited the Everett Public Library and to understand why the Trump administration is attacking libraries and the importance of protecting our libraries. I met with Abby Cooley, the Everett Public Library librarian, and this is what I heard from her:
- Libraries are not just stacks of books: Books are information and resources. Libraries connect our community members to the information and resources they need. Libraries are a critical space of safety and engagement.
- The budget cuts are forcing libraries to make difficult funding decisions. One resource on the line is free internet access, and whether libraries will be able to continue ot provide this free resource that many community members rely on. Other resources on the line are information resources, such as research databases and professional skill-building databases. Finally, programming events for our youth that benefit our community and learning opportunities are also on the line with the budget cuts.
The Trump administration and its attack on libraries is yet another part of the never-ending Republican Rip-Off. These indiscriminate budget cuts are harmful and target key resources that many families in Northwest Washington rely on and benefit from. Protecting our access to information, resources, and community is crucial to our democracy.
