Barn Raiser Special Report
Rural Libraries
Libraries play an essential role in rural areas: Not only do they provide free books, but they're a place where residents can access wi-fi, attend a community event, or simply find cool air on a hot day. With the rise of the book-banning movement, however, rural libraries are under attack.

The Wabeno Public Library in Wabeno Wisconsin, was built in 1897 as the land office for the Chicago and Northwestern Railway, and is the only log library in Wisconsin. (Jeff the quiet, Wikimedia Commons)
Culture
May 17, 2023
“We’ve Had Death Threats, Bomb Threats”
Rural libraries, often a lifeline, now face efforts to ban books and restrict funding
s.e. smith

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Culture
May 22, 2023
For My Immigrant Family, the Library Opened New Doors
What libraries can do to reach more families like mine
Andrea Duarte-Alonso

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Politics
May 26, 2023
When Moms for Liberty Cancelled a School Librarian’s Mother’s Day Lesson, Concerned Parents Fought Back
Here is what they said at the Hamilton County, Tennessee, school board meeting
Joel Bleifuss

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Culture
June 2, 2023
How Two Iowa Librarians Are Standing Up for Readers
Rural libraries build community and push back against censorship
Joel Bleifuss

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