Pushing the Limits of Library Programming and Free Speech

Hey everyone! It’s been too long since my last post, so, well, here is a brand new post 🙂

Today I wanted to just write a quick piece on a program I recently held at my library that caused me to have some decidedly opposing emotions. On one hand, I felt the program was one of the best we have yet done at my library and I am proud of the results and implication of the program. On the other hand, I thought perhaps that I would be fired the next day as a result 🙂 So what was this program?? Well, let’s take a look here.

So for the past 3 years I have put on programs to celebrate LGBT Pride month along with a passionate LGBT colleague. The programs have ranged from LGBT author visits to original film screenings to musical performances and poetry. This year we arranged for 2 programs to be held at the library: 1) a musical performance by members of a local LGBT themed open-mic group 2) LGBT themed-comedy arranged by a local comedian/producer. I thought that these would be good programs to celebrate LGBT culture and provide a place for the community to explore and interact with this culture. Indeed, we have done programs like this in the past as well. In fact the open-mic program we have done in the past with the same group. However, the addition of the comedy event was one in which I felt we might push things slightly further with what one might expect at a public library, and perhaps, what one thinks is appropriate at a public library.

My perspective:  I personally believe that libraries should be extremely wary of any kind of censorship. This relates not only to materials in the collection, but also in terms of programming and the exploration of different topics and subjects. The only caveat to this is that libraries should also seek to provide quality and verified information in materials and programs. Obviously, this can sometimes lead to conflicts where librarians have to make decisions as to what is good information and what is bad information: often much harder than it seems. Long story short: I believe that public libraries can and should provide opportunities to the community to explore important and perhaps controversial topics. I often try to do this in my management of collections and in the programs I select for my library.

A little extra context: One of the biggest challenges facing my library is space, in that we have very little of it. As a result, there are basically two rooms that I have available to hold programs. There is a smaller programming room available in a back area that can hold up to a maximum of 20 people. The other room is the main reading room on the 2nd floor, which is the main space for people to read and study. This room is NOT closed off from other parts of the library – the entrances to the room are open and connect immediately to the stairs to all floors and the main reference section with public computers. Basically, any program that is held in this room will carry sound throughout the building and also be exposed to anyone passing by.

Ok, now that we have the context, here is the program: LGBT Comedy at the Library to Celebrate Pride Month.

In this program, I worked with a local comedian and producer who helped arrange for 7 different comedians to do short sets at the library for the event.  The producer himself, Rich Kiamco, is an accomplished comedian along with appearances on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and the Howard Stern Show. Rich hosted the event and provided a little comedy as well. The other performers all had significant resumes. Check it:

1. Jodie Wasserman – Comedy Central, BET, Last Comic Standing
2. David Smithyman – NBC’s Stand Up for Diversity
3. Adam Sank – Last Comic Standing, Here-TV, VH1, Sirius XM
4. Alison Forns – SNL contributing writer
5. Veronica Elizabeth – LA ComedyFest
6. Chris Douchette – Comedy360’s Comedy to Watch
7. Jeff Lawrence – MTV, Grammy Awards

So as you can see, when Rich came back to me with the lineup for the event, I was pretty excited!

So the event was set for these comedians and this format, which again made me excited for the event. As this month I was extremely busy (various programs, wrapping up a HUGE book fair the library held, and running contract negotiations as union representative) I didn’t put too much more thought into the program until we got closer to the event.

Back to the original purpose of this article: this program made me both proud and nervous. So in my planning of this event, I was perhaps not forceful enough in emphasizing to Rich that this would be a program at a library and thus the material should be appropriate for that setting. This was the request of the management of my library and thus I put the issue forth. However, what does this even mean? What do you label ‘appropriate’ for a public library? On what criteria is this based: specific ‘language’ that can’t be used? certain topics that shouldn’t be discussed? certain cultural aspects that shouldn’t be touched upon? These are difficult questions for a library or indeed any public institution. However, I indeed do feel like the library should refrain from censorship at all costs, so I tried to make the touch light on how I emphasized any limitation of material to Rich.

I know this post has been too long already, so I will just describe the program now. The comedians basically came with the normal materials they might perform in a comedy club, with the only difference being that the comics would focus on the theme of Pride Month. Also, each of the comedians was LGBT as well. So basically, there ended up being NO LIMITS to the language and topics brought by the comedians. Indeed, it was like being at a comedy show in a club in NYC. However, the comedians really focused on the theme of LGBT and the experience, condition and perspective of being an LGBT person in America.  Oh, and I forgot to mention, certain important local politicians and library administration members were in attendance for the event…so at first, YIKES!

Long story short, the politicians and administration enjoyed the event, so I think I am good to go 🙂 The comedy itself was first rate and the style which I personally enjoy. The comedians also really brought the experience, condition and culture of the LGBT community to the spotlight, which I thought was a great thing for the community and for the library to present.  The question of was this appropriate for a public library remains though. My answer: Yes it was, however I would in the future make sure that an event like this was in a separate space where anyone not participating in the event will not hear the event. Also, I would make sure the promotions for the event clearly spell out the adult audience aspect of the event and the subject matter. However, beyond that I think that this event was not only appropriate, but one of the events I feel best about having arranged for my library.

The LGBT comedy event brought the following positives:

1. Gave voice and substance to the LGBT culture without censor with the support of a public library
2. Provided a fun and REAL event for adult patrons to enjoy
3. Attracted an audience that were largely new to the library

In the end I am proud of this event and what it did, despite any ramifications to myself 🙂