The Librarians is a 2025 American documentary directed by Oscar-nominated, Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Kim A. Snyder. It follows librarians in Texas, Florida, and other states as they push back against a wave of book banning sparked by the Krause List of 850 targeted titles. Executive-produced by Sarah Jessica Parker, the film premiered at Sundance on January 24, 2025, and went on to win more than 30 festival awards and earn a Primetime Emmy nomination.
The Librarians is nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award and aired on PBS/Independent Lens in early 2026.
The film received a wide theatrical release on October 3, 2025 in over 200 cities internationally, distributed by 8 Above.
The Librarians is available for free on YouTube via PBS.
The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2025 and received positive reviews from critics.
PEN America, American Library Association and Penguin Random House are among the organizations supporting the film's release.
Documentary screening of 'The Librarians' exploring how American librarians defend free speech and democracy, followed by a moderated debate on censorship with Anette Thede from Dansk PEN.
The documentary The Librarians screens at Silkeborg Library as part of the #ForbiddenBooks campaign. The film follows American librarians resisting censorship and fighting for freedom of expression.
Documentary about American librarians resisting book bans and fighting for free access to knowledge, part of Dansk PEN's #ForbiddenBooks campaign.