PBS Documentary Explores Book Censorship Debates

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A new PBS Independent Lens documentary called 'The Librarians' explores the topic of censorship and the removal of books from school and public libraries, weaving together testimony, historical context, and film clips into a 90-minute examination of the ongoing debates around this issue.

Why it matters

Book banning and censorship in libraries have become increasingly contentious topics in recent years, with some arguing that certain books should be removed from shelves due to concerns over content, while others view such actions as a threat to intellectual freedom and access to information. This documentary provides a comprehensive look at the history and current state of these debates.

The details

The documentary 'The Librarians' examines high-profile cases of book removals, particularly in Texas, and explores the motivations and arguments on both sides of the censorship issue. It features interviews with librarians, educators, parents, and other stakeholders to provide a balanced perspective on this complex and often politically-charged topic.

• The PBS Independent Lens documentary 'The Librarians' was recently released.