And why their mission feels more urgent now than ever.

When I defended my doctoral dissertation, a committee member asked a thoughtful question. I had written about how the founding mission of public libraries in the United States was revolutionary—designed to shift who had access to knowledge and opportunity.

He rephrased the idea and asked,

“How were libraries subversive?”

I didn’t use that word, but I understood why he did. Because from the very beginning, libraries have quietly challenged the idea that knowledge should belong to the few. They were built to serve the many.

A Revolutionary Beginning

In my dissertation, I drew from Verna Pungitore’s Innovation and the Library (1995) to describe how early American libraries appeared to serve the upper classes on the surface—but their deeper purpose was far more transformative.

“In the early years, the public library seemed to serve as a repository for reading material for the upper classes. This was only one facet of the library’s mission, as the true underlying purpose was to provide equal opportunity to the working-class, immigrant, and the illiterate of the community through programs, outreach, and knowledge (Pungitore, 1995).”

In a time of social and economic disruption, libraries stepped in with a radical belief: that access to information could empower people, strengthen communities, and support the democratic process. That wasn’t subversive—it was public service with purpose.

The Pandemic Changed the Playbook

Before 2020, my research reflected that many library systems had grown cautious over time—tied to tradition and slow to innovate.

But the pandemic changed that overnight.

Libraries responded with agility and compassion. They moved programs online. Expanded digital access. Handed out health kits, job help, and hotspot loans. They became places of stability during an unstable time.

That adaptability reminded the world what libraries are capable of. It also made them more visible—and with visibility can come scrutiny.

Why Libraries Are Facing Scrutiny

Today, we’re seeing book bans, programming challenges, and even proposed federal budget cuts—including efforts to eliminate the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the nation’s primary source of library funding. In fact, the news is not looking good for IMLS.

One justification cited was to “return IMLS to patriotism.” Though not sure how shuttering them completely does that. Regardless, it is a mote point because libraries have always been patriotic—because they serve people.

They reflect the core ideals of democracy: freedom of thought, equal access to opportunity, lifelong learning, and public space where all are welcome. They don’t ask for applause. They ask what you need, and how they can help.

To suggest they’ve lost their way misunderstands their purpose. Libraries don’t wave a flag to show patriotism—they live it.

What You Can Do

Libraries are working exactly as they were meant to—and that’s why they need support now more than ever.

📬 Reach out to your representatives. Encourage them to protect IMLS funding. Federal support helps libraries of all sizes serve communities, foster early literacy, support job seekers, and preserve local history.

📣 Share what your library means to you. A simple social media post or email to your local library staff can have real impact.

🏛 Show up locally. Attend a library board meeting. Sign up for a card. Donate books or time. Be part of the community you want to protect.

Libraries aren’t just about books. They’re about belonging. They’re about building a country where everyone has the tools to grow, learn, and lead.

That’s not subversive. That’s the real meaning of patriotism.

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Further Reading:

• Pungitore, V. L. (1995). Innovation and the Library: The Adoption of New Ideas in Library History.
• Hopwood, J.L. (2020). Using Diffusion of Innovation Theory to Explore Factors Influencing Upper Leadership’s Role in Adopting Creativity and Innovation in the State of Maryland Public Libraries.
• Learn more about IMLS and its role