Tag Independence Day

Multicolored big chrysanthemum fireworks against a black sky.

Your Freedom to Read

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Multicolored big chrysanthemum fireworks against a black sky.

by Brandon B.

The Fourth of July holiday commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which proclaimed our intent to form a new nation. Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness has always been the fabric of the American dream. Celebrate Independence Day with a parade, spend time with friends and family, enjoy a delicious hot dog or burger from the grill, and sip on an ice-cold snowball. Conclude the night with spectacular fireworks, with all the sparkling colors on display, all in celebration of the many freedoms of our country.

When we fought for and won our independence, our Founding Fathers enshrined important guarantees in the Constitution’s Bill of Rights. First among them, the freedom of press, speech, and assembly. On April 25, 2024, Governor Wes Moore signed the Maryland Freedom to Read Act into law. This new law requires all libraries to adopt a collection development policy that complies with State standards to qualify for funding. What does that mean? Libraries cannot exclude materials from their collection or remove them based on partisan or doctrinal disapproval, or because of the origin, background, or views of the person who created the material. The Act also protects library staff by prohibiting governing bodies from retaliating against employees who act in a manner consistent with the State standards, which will be developed by the State Library.

The Freedom to Read Act reaffirms the constitutional principle that library materials, services, and resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all persons the library serves. Why was this needed? According to the American Library Association, a record 4,240 unique book titles were targeted for censorship in 2023, a 65 percent increase over the 2,571 unique titles targeted in 2022 and a staggering 128 percent increase over 2021 numbers. In Maryland, 148 titles were challenged — making it one of 17 states to exceed 100. Forty-seven percent of the nationally-targeted books were titles representing the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals.

No individual’s interests and beliefs should dictate what the community has access to. Libraries have always been and continue to be committed to the First Amendment and to providing collections and events that represent differing views. We welcome everyone as they explore their interests without judgment or fear of reprisal.

A sepia toned photograph of the Supreme Court building, with a Black woman and child sitting on the steps holding a newspaper, "High

As you celebrate Independence Day and reflect on our freedoms, explore these or other books and resources that continue the conversation about our country, its history, and future.

Happy 4th of July and happy reading!

Brandon is a Customer Service Specialist at HCLS Central Branch who loves reading, football, and taking nice long walks around his neighborhood.

Photo looks down at a group of people holding an American Flag.

The Fourth of July from Many Points of View

brandondwightbannister Leave a comment
Photo looks down at a group of people holding an American Flag.

by Brandon B.

Happy Independence Day!

As you celebrate, take the opportunity to include the library. The Fourth of July holiday commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence, in which the American colonies sought their freedom from England’s authority. The Equity Resource Center located at our Central Branch provides access to information on famous people like Ida B. Wells, Malcolm X, and Gandhi. In addition, you can borrow great films that celebrate freedom and equality such as, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Schindler’s List, Philadelphia, and Freedom Writers.

As people traveled to America to embark on a new journey, they came from all races and cultures to find life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Unfortunately, everyone’s journey to the United States was not a pleasant experience. In Frederick Douglass and the Fourth of July by James A. Colaiaco, he illustrates the extraordinary story of a slave turned distinguished gentleman.

Black and white print of Frederick Douglass in profile, wearing a suit with full head of bushy hair and beard.

Born in Maryland to a white father and black mother, Frederick Douglass was an abolitionist who taught himself how to read and write, which almost cost him his life. Through self-education and resilience, Douglass became one of the greatest orators and writers in American history. Frederick Douglass was invited to speak to the citizens of Rochester, New York on July 5, 1852 at the Corinthian Hall. In the speech that would be later entitled “What, to the Slave, is the Fourth of July,” Douglass explained how it was difficult to celebrate a holiday that symbolizes freedom and independence for Americans, even when many blacks were lynched, beaten, and sold as property. Douglass states in his speech, “What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer; a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim.”

You can read this speech and others in Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave by Frederick Douglass; edited with an introduction by Ira Dworkin, which is available in many formats.

In another great read, The Politics of Belonging: Race, Public Opinion, and Immigration by Natalie Masuoka discusses America’s long-debated immigration laws. It tackles how families and cultures can find their place in American society, even through racial barriers and unforeseen obstacles.

As you enjoy your great family barbecues, parades, concerts, and spectacular fireworks shows, consider what look the Fourth of July looks like from many points of view.

Brandon is a Customer Service Specialist at HCLS Central Branch who loves reading, football, and taking nice long walks around his neighborhood.