Colleagues, the past months have seen threats directed to public and school libraries and library workers, including the forced temporary closure of five metropolitan libraries due to bomb and shooting threats.
Today, the executive board of the American Library Association (ALA) transmitted a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray expressing our concerns about the threats directed to public and school libraries and library workers. According to library directors and local officials, there is no evidence at this time showing a direct connection between last week's threats and opposition to library materials and programs. However, our letter to Director Wray does underscore the increasing threats of violence to libraries and library workers nationwide.
The safety of our members is our utmost priority. We encourage directors, supervisors and managers to review your institution's safety procedures with all staff so that everyone knows how to respond if they receive a threat or are threatened directly. In addition to notifying local law enforcement, we suggest you file a report with the FBI and then to notify ALA at notify@ala.org. We also recommend that institutions review their protocols for responding to the media in the event of such emergencies.
We, your colleagues and representatives on the ALA Board, are inspired by the work you are doing in these difficult times. An attack on any library or library worker is an attack on our profession. Know that your professional association stands behind you and is addressing our shared concerns with federal law enforcement.
To review the full letter please click here.
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Lessa Kanani'opua Pelayo-Lozada
ALA President, 2022-2023
Adult Services Assistant Manager, Palos Verdes Public Library
She/Her/Hers
lessaforlibraries.com
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