Are Library Closures Related to Decreased Democracy in the United States of America
Start Date
April 2026
Location
3rd floor - Library
Abstract
This study seeks the relationship between library closures and decreased democratic processes in the United States. Historically, libraries have been public hubs of learning and community. An essential component of democracy is access to civil participation in public spaces. Currently, civil democratic principles are being challenged in the US. For example, freedom of association, rally, resistance, expression, and civil participation are being restricted. In this study, democratic principles are viewed through proposed and enacted laws restricting these democratic principles. Data is collected from national US organizations and analyzed through the relationship between library closures and eroding democratic principles in the United States during the 21st century.
Are Library Closures Related to Decreased Democracy in the United States of America
3rd floor - Library
This study seeks the relationship between library closures and decreased democratic processes in the United States. Historically, libraries have been public hubs of learning and community. An essential component of democracy is access to civil participation in public spaces. Currently, civil democratic principles are being challenged in the US. For example, freedom of association, rally, resistance, expression, and civil participation are being restricted. In this study, democratic principles are viewed through proposed and enacted laws restricting these democratic principles. Data is collected from national US organizations and analyzed through the relationship between library closures and eroding democratic principles in the United States during the 21st century.
