Opinions Held by U.S. Presidents Regarding Librarians and Libraries.
In the realm of cultural institutions, libraries have long been celebrated for their role in facilitating knowledge and promoting education. Over the years, the perspectives of U.S. Presidents on libraries and librarians have varied significantly, often reflecting their broader attitudes towards democratic values.
Barack Obama, in a recent open letter, publicly recognised libraries as foundational democratic institutions, praising the role of librarians in facilitating access to knowledge and promoting education. He asserted, "Together, you help people become informed and active citizens."
In stark contrast, the Trump administration was marked by upheaval and tension related to libraries and cultural institutions. In 2025, President Trump fired the Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, along with other leaders of cultural agencies. This action was widely condemned by library advocates and the American Library Association (ALA).
Carla Hayden, prior to her dismissal, emphasised that libraries are more than just repositories of knowledge; they are vibrant centres of community life, education, inclusion, and pillars of democracy. She stressed that the freedom to read and access information is essential to democracy, and that recent actions undermining libraries threaten these democratic foundations.
Library advocates reacted strongly against the administration’s moves, arguing that such actions amount to attacks on democracy and on the public's ability to freely access knowledge and creative expression.
While some presidents like Obama have publicly championed the importance of libraries and librarians as crucial to democracy and education, other administrations—such as Trump’s—have taken actions that many perceive as undermining these institutions.
| President | Perspective/Actions on Libraries and Librarians | |---------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Barack Obama | Praised libraries as pillars of democracy; supported librarians' role in access to knowledge. | | Donald Trump | Fired key cultural institution leaders including the Librarian of Congress; perceived as undermining free access to information and libraries’ democratic role. |
This contrast highlights how presidential perspectives on libraries can significantly impact the support and freedom these institutions receive.
Throughout history, several presidents have expressed their admiration for libraries. Abraham Lincoln, for instance, considered books as his best friends, while Thomas Jefferson advocated for the establishment of a circulating library in every county. John F. Kennedy advocated for open access to controversial books and authors in public libraries.
George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan also expressed their support for libraries, with Bush stating that libraries add immeasurably to our quality of life, and Reagan emphasising that the doors of libraries are open to all.
Today, there are Presidential Libraries dedicated to Barack Obama, John F. Kennedy, and other former presidents, such as Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush. These libraries serve as a testament to the enduring importance of libraries and the role they play in preserving and promoting the legacy of our nation's leaders.
References: [1] American Library Association. (2025). Trump Administration's Actions Against Libraries and Librarians. Retrieved from https://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2025/01/trump-administration-actions-against-libraries-and-librarians
[2] Hayden, C. (2025). The Future of Libraries: A Call to Action. Retrieved from https://www.loc.gov/today/pr/2025/25-063.html
[3] Library Journal. (2025). Trump Administration's Actions Against Libraries and Librarians Spark Outrage. Retrieved from https://www.libraryjournal.com/news/trump-administration-actions-against-libraries-and-librarians-spark-outrage/
- President Obama commended libraries as foundational democratic institutions, stating that librarians help people become informed and active citizens by facilitating access to books and knowledge.
- However, President Trump's administration, in stark contrast, was marked by controversy, as they fired the Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, and other leaders of cultural agencies, receiving widespread condemnation for what many perceived as attacks on libraries and free access to information.
