‘The Librarians’ Screening Celebrates Banned Book Week

A major part of the Chatham Orpheum Theater’s off-season programming is community-focused events, typically showcasing special screenings of films that are otherwise hard to see in a cinema. The latest, “The Librarians,” will be presented next week.

The Emmy-winning documentary, directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Kim A. Snyder, follows a group of librarians from Texas, Florida, Louisiana and beyond as they fight an unprecedented wave of book bans. The film will be screened during Banned Books Week, which takes place Oct. 4 to 10 this year.

The program is organized by photographer Kim Rodriques and co-presented by the South Chatham Public Library. Librarian Jill Madigan has taught college journalism classes and multiple elementary school grades in both Massachusetts and Connecticut, all of which ensured a thorough understanding of the First Amendment.

“Book banning harms a child’s right to think and grow their minds,” said Madigan. “They deprive a child or student of the right to receive information and ideas. The parent has the right to opt their child out of a book, but they do not have the right to decide what other kids should and shouldn’t read.”

Madigan pointed out that the First Amendment was created to restrict the government, not for the government to restrict personal rights. 

“This documentary brings to light a major censorship issue that’s facing librarians and teachers all across the country,” she said. “It’s about the fight for the freedom to read.”

The South Chatham Public Library has a thorough banned book policy in place, in accordance with Massachusetts state requirements. “We are prepared to do a major review if someone challenges a book,” Madigan said. “I read the book if I have not already, present my findings to the board, and recommend whether or not I think it should be banned.”

Chatham bookstores Where the Sidewalk Ends and Yellow Umbrella are installing banned book displays next week. When reached for comment, local author Lisa Genova added, “More than ever, librarians are essential heroes. This movie is as astonishing as it is important. Everyone should see this film.”

Tammy DePasquale, former assistant director at the Eldredge Public Library, will be introducing the screening alongside best-selling author and Chatham resident Bernard Cornwell. DePasquale has led a banned and challenged book discussion group since spring 2022. The group meets monthly at the Brooks Free Library in Harwich.

“[This film] gives great insight into what’s happening,” DePasquale said. “It’s a cautionary tale — just because this is happening elsewhere doesn’t mean it can’t also happen here. Reading was a huge part of my childhood, and I’ve spent a huge part of my professional life seeing and experiencing the power of books firsthand. This is about the fundamental right to information.”

DePasquale cited an incident in January 2022, in which the graphic novel “Maus” was removed from circulation by the McMinn County School Board in Tennessee, as the inspiration for her discussion group. 

“That was when we first recognized something was happening,” she said. “It was an early indication of the oncoming wave of bans.”

She mentioned a quote from legendary author Ray Bradbury’s novel “Fahrenheit 451,” a story set in a dystopian future where all books are outlawed: “We need not to be let alone. We need to be really bothered once in a while. How long is it since you were really bothered? About something important, about something real?”

“What I would suggest people do is read the books,” DePasquale said. “Be aware and be ready. Support your local librarians, booksellers and authors. Let your people know that it’s important to make your voice heard.”

“The Librarians” will screen at the Chatham Orpheum Theater on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. All proceeds will go to the South Chatham Public Library. Tickets are currently available at chathamorpheum.org.