Bob Cox shares This American Prospect Story that says the “sedate shushers of your childhood” have stepped into the political arena, and they’ve emerged as one of the most vital and effective progressive forces in the country.
They also point out librarians, and their professional governing body, the American Library Association (ALA), have been behind some of the most significant civil-liberties battles in the country.
“But no matter how shrewd their lobbying efforts, librarians may soon find that entering the political fray on such hotly contested issues comes with substantial costs. As states face budget crises, many libraries are staring down massive cuts — even branch closings — and it’s at times like these when it pays to have politicians in your corner. The ALA has made its share of enemies, and last year a federal bill that would have doubled library spending failed to make it to a floor vote.“
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