Grass Valley, CA, March 5, 2026 – There are plenty of stereotypes about shushing when it comes to libraries and librarians, but according to a new documentary, they are at the forefront of a battle for democracy and freedom of speech. The award-winning documentary The Librarians travels across the United States to see how coordinated book bans and school board takeovers expose the wave of extremism sweeping across the country. The film follows a network of courageous librarians finding ways to resist and survive harassment, firing, threats, and censorship laws, as well as the communities that are standing up for the freedom to read.
As part of its Feminist Film Series, Sierra College will be screening the documentary in a free, public event on Tuesday, March 17th, with doors at 6, in the Multi-purpose room (N12). Immediately following the screening, Sierra College Librarian Lisa Nowlain will moderate a panel discussion exploring how restrictions on library content are shaping communities. The panel includes:
- Justin Azevedo: Justin Azevedo is the Youth Selection Specialist for Sacramento Public Library, selecting all English-language print and digital materials for ages 0-18 for the system’s collection, along with board and video games. He is a past chair of the Association for Library Services to Children’s Intellectual Freedom Committee, and has worked in public libraries for 20 years.
- Lu Bunker: Lu Bunker is a non-binary author and activist currently living in Sacramento. Writing as Lisa Bunker, they have published five books for young readers in the past ten years, all with significant rainbow content. More than one of their books has shown up on lists of banned books.
“I’ve been a librarian for 12 years, and these past few years we have seen a national trend of censorship and book banning that is unprecedented,” Lisa Nowlain, Sierra College Librarian said. “This documentary shows how libraries and school boards are canaries in the coal mine for our democracy.” Directed by Kim A. Snyder, the film premiered in 2025. Currently, nationwide legislation that would increase book banning — House Resolution 7661 (H.R. 7661), also known as the “Stop the Sexualization of Children Act” -– is moving through the House.