UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State University Libraries will host a screening of “Are You a Librarian? Black Librarians and Freedom through Literacy” followed by a Q&A discussion with the film’s producer, Rodney Freeman, from 3-5 p.m. on Oct. 20. The screening is free and open to the public and will take place in Paterno Library’s Foster Auditorium, located on the University Park campus.
“Are You a Librarian? The Untold Story of Black Librarians” is a compelling work-in-progress documentary that lifts the veil on a crucial —yet neglected — chapter in American history. Spanning from the antebellum period through Jim Crow, the Civil Rights Movement, and into the 21st century, the film showcases the work of Black librarians who turned public libraries into spaces of resistance, empowerment and truth.
The film documents librarians who not only fought systemic racism and resource inequality but also took bold stands against censorship and erasure of Black history. As current movements to ban books and defund libraries resurface, their legacy has never been more relevant. With poignant interviews, rare historical footage and a moving score, this film honors their struggle and invites a national conversation about what it truly means to safeguard knowledge.
“As a librarian and archivist, I’ve watched important Black stories sit untouched in archives, forgotten or overlooked,” Freeman said. “’Are You a Librarian?’ is a personal mission to bring those stories forward. It’s not just about honoring the past; it’s about inspiring a new generation to take up the mantle of literacy, freedom and truth in an age where those very principles are under attack.”
The documentary, produced by Freeman and currently 90 minutes in length, features interviews and testimonials from several trailblazing Black librarians and historians across the country, including Carla Hayden, former librarian of Congress, and Kelly Richards, president and director of the Free Library of Philadelphia. The story’s narrative includes a hint to the film’s title, as Freeman explains that — throughout his career — he has been repeatedly asked by confused library patrons, “Are you a librarian?”
Freeman is a Charlotte, North Carolina-based library professional with more than 15 years of experience across academic, public and government libraries. His expertise spans digital collections, databases and taxonomy, beginning with a focus on digital archives and evolving into roles ranging from library page to administrator. As the founder of Reminisce Preservation, Freeman empowers libraries, schools, nonprofits and individuals by offering innovative tools and networks to facilitate the creation, interaction and preservation of legacies. His work reflects a passion for connecting communities with the resources to safeguard their histories.
For information about this event, including inquiries regarding accessibility accommodation, contact Jeff Edmunds at jhe2@psu.edu or Carmen Gass at crg177@psu.edu. Learn more about “Are You a Librarian? Black Librarians and Freedom through Literacy” online.
Penn State University Libraries is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Libraries events and programs are open to all students, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race or any other protected class.