WHYY/Indie Lens Pop-Up Community Screenings
The Librarians

The Librarians follows librarians and community members across the United States as they respond to increasing efforts to restrict access to books and information. On the front lines of a growing national debate, these librarians navigate challenges to materials—particularly those addressing race, history, and LGBTQ+ identities—while defending the core principles of intellectual freedom and public access. Through their stories, the film explores the vital role libraries play in sustaining democracy, fostering inclusive communities, and protecting the right to read.

Indie Lens Pop-Up is a neighborhood series that brings people together for film screenings and community-driven conversations.

WHYY premiered The Librarians on Monday, February 9, 2026

The film is available for free streaming (PBS app, PBS.org, You Tube) February 9 – May 9, 2026.

Find an event near you. Some locations require registration.

Parkway Central Library and WHYY Present: The Librarians

When: April 22
Where: Parkway Central Library 1901 Vine Street Philadelphia, PA 1903

Across the U.S., librarians face the impact of uniting against library collection standards that include restrictions on race-related and LGBTQIA+ content.