Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion to Explore the Role of Libraries, Access to Information

Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion to Explore the Role of Libraries, Access to Information

Laramie County Community College’s Ludden Library and the Laramie County Library System invite the community to attend a screening of The Librarians, a documentary from PBS’s Independent Lens that examines contemporary issues surrounding libraries, access to information, and intellectual freedom.

The screening will take place Saturday, January 31, from 2:00–4:30 p.m. in the Surbrugg/Prentice Auditorium on Laramie County Community College’s Cheyenne campus. The event is free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be served.

A Community Conversation Following the Film

Following the documentary, attendees are invited to stay for a moderated panel discussion featuring individuals who have been directly engaged in local and statewide conversations around book access, library policy, and intellectual freedom. Drawing from professional, personal, and policy-based perspectives, the panel will explore how the issues raised in the film are playing out in Wyoming communities and what they mean for public institutions, schools, and families.

“Libraries are trusted public spaces where people can explore ideas, ask questions, and access information freely,” said Antonia Gaona, Executive Director of the Laramie County Library System. “What makes this panel especially meaningful is that these conversations aren’t abstract. The people joining us have lived and worked through these issues firsthand, and their perspectives add important local context to a national discussion.”

Panelists

Terri Lesley, a Wyoming public librarian whose fight against book censorship led to her losing her job as director of Campbell County Public Library in Gillette in 2023. Lesley sued over her termination, filing a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The two-year ordeal ended with a settlement in Lesley’s favor.

Jennifer Markus, a high school librarian in Laramie County School District 1 for fourteen years and now works in the postsecondary world. When ideological friction ignited over school library holdings, she gave a presentation on collection development policies and procedures to the LCSD1 School Board in January of 2022 in front of a largely hostile audience. After leaving her position in LCSD1, she ran Books in Context, a Facebook group dedicated to defending students’ right to read freely in LCSD1 libraries.

Paula, a 20-year resident of Cheyenne whose child, Anna, has been a part of LCSD1 since kindergarten and is now a Senior at South High School.

Dan Zwonitzer, was a Republic Party member of the Wyoming House of Representatives from 2004-2024. As a legislator, Dan stayed very engaged and informed on the topic of book access and library collection policies. During his committee tenure, Dan was an advocate for education, freedom to read and free access to information.

Additional panelists may be added and will be announced as they are confirmed.

“This panel brings together voices from across the community—library professionals, parents, and policymakers—to help people better understand the policies, pressures, and values that shape library service today,” Gaona said. “Our goal is to foster informed, respectful dialogue and provide space for thoughtful engagement around issues that affect us all.”

About Indie Lens Pop-Up

This event is part of Indie Lens Pop-Up, a national community screening series from PBS’s Independent Lens. Indie Lens Pop-Up partners with libraries, colleges, and community organizations across the country to bring people together for film screenings and conversations that spark dialogue around timely and complex issues.

Community members from across Laramie County are encouraged to attend and participate in this important discussion.