We Do This Good Work Together

The Power of Partnership in Fighting School Library Censorship (SF 496)

There is so much power in partnerships. Partnering with teacher and school librarians has been essential in my advocacy journey.

As the 2023 President of Iowa Library Association, I leaned heavily into my history of collaboration with the Iowa Association of School Librarians (IASL) including seeking a teacher librarian for the office of ILA President every three years as well as actively endorsing teacher librarian representation on the ILA Executive Board every year.  

When the "age appropriate" bill (SF 496) was filed, I activated my state and national coalitions of support to champion for educators, curriculum developers, and superintendents in the face of substantial overreach, censorship, and the potential civil penalties against them written in the law. 

IASL Past President Michelle Kruse and I surveyed teachers and school librarians across the state to draft a Letter of Inquiry to the Iowa Department of Education. As a leader, I used my platform to listen to direct expertise and concerns as well as to provide resources for teacher librarians who would be penalized if they were found to violate an incredibly abstract and murky piece of legislation.

I sat at the feet of many teacher librarians, learned so very much, and utilized those gifts to fight hard for school library workers' rights. 

By seeking guidance before penalties could take place, we were able to help teacher librarians push back against disciplinary action for simply doing their work. I also hoped to get this story outside of my state to encourage support from larger groups like PEN America, EveryLibrary, and Penguin Random House.

I leaned heavily into my media, law, and advocacy networks to get this story on Iowa Public Radio, the Washington Post, the Des Moines Register, and the Cedar Rapids Gazette. 

It worked!!!

Folks across the nation collaborated with ILA, IASL, the ACLU of Iowa, and the Iowa State Education Association to develop legal recourse against the bill. 

The books are back on the shelves, the teacher librarians have support from inside and outside the state of Iowa, and we are learning how much stronger together we can truly be in the face of unmitigated mischaracterization of our profession.

We played some great defense. However, we will also continue to leverage our lessons and partnerships to support our profession and seek library friendly policy in the form of "joyful offense." In 2024, Iowa has an ebooks bill and levy funding bill circulating to support library workers and the resources they steward for students and patrons.

 I helped to quietly find plaintiffs, supported impacted school librarians with letters, coffee cards, and treats, and became part of the legal cannon as our letter served as the basis for litigation. Every major point of the judge's injunction was made in our Letter of Inquiry when we (ILA/IASL) proactively sought clarification.

As an 2022-2024 ALA Executive Board member serving as the liaison to the ALA Chapter Relations Office, I advocated that grant funds be doubled to invite not only each state/chapter library association president, but also our state/chapter school librarian association presidents to the December 2023 Advocacy Bootcamp. It was fantastic to learn and grow together in the art forms of media relations, crafting calls for advocacy action, and navigating local/state governance.

My goal is to always think about how we must uplift and support each other in this good work. School library workers are often on the very front lines of adverse legislation and funding cuts (which is then followed by public and academic library challenges) and we can work better together to support our profession, intellectual freedom, access, and literacy. 

My campaign slogan is #OurStoriesAreWorthSharing, and I'd love to connect to learn more about you and your stories if you have available time. 

One of my campaign values is that We Do This Good Work Together. I would be humbled and delighted to have your vote and even more essentially your partnership in defending, uplifting, and celebrating our work and impact in the world.

In appreciation, solidarity, and hope,

Sam 

SamForLibraries.com

PS - It's been a hard few years. If my campaign journey does nothing else, may I take this moment to impart one profound truth . . . 

You are enough!

Just as you are, you bring power, efficacy, and positive impact into the world. Our profession wouldn't be under great scrutiny and opposition if we didn't hold power.

I hope you see your power and impact and know that it matters greatly to so very many.

Please know that I am rooting for you and the communities blessed to have you serving them!