By Josh Niesse Thursday, Apr 10, 2025

In ecology, scientists often look to indicator species—plants or animals whose presence reveals the health of an entire ecosystem. Think of frogs, whose survival depends on clean water and stable environments—their presence or absence can be a major clue to the health or toxicity of an ecosystem. I’ve been thinking lately that public libraries and independent bookstores are a kind of social equivalent. Their presence points to something just as vital: the health of our mental and civic environments.

In a functioning democracy, people need access to high-quality information. They need stories that broaden their empathy and challenge their assumptions. They need to read—not just to consume facts, but to grow as human beings. And no one is better at sparking a lifelong love of reading than librarians and booksellers.

This week is National Library Week, and it comes at a time when public libraries are increasingly under attack—through budget cuts, censorship efforts, and coordinated harassment campaigns. These aren’t just attacks on beloved institutions; they’re attacks on the idea that everyone deserves free access to books, reliable information, and vibrant community spaces. Today’s libraries are not only knowledge centers—they’re hubs for connection, creativity, and support.

So if you’re looking for one small thing to do this week during these heavy times, here’s a simple act that matters: visit your local public library or independent bookstore. Go in person. Check out a book. Buy one. Say thank you to the people behind the counter. Your presence helps keep these vital indicator species alive—and with them, the intellectual and civic ecosystem we all depend on.

If you’re wondering what to read, I’ve put together a short list of books that feel especially urgent right now:
 https://bookshop.org/.../five-books-for-our-political-moment

Any purchase from that list supports our bookstore, Underground Books. Or better yet—check them out from your local library.

Want to help donate copies of these important books for us to give out? Message me.

Want to support your library in an ongoing way? Join or donate to your local Friends of the Library group—here’s where we give locally:
 https://wgrls.org/neva-lomason-memorial-library/

And here’s something extra sweet: our friends at Libro.fm are giving a free audiobook credit to anyone who donates $15 or more to their local library this week.
 https://blog.libro.fm/libraryweek