By Dr. Chanda Nicole Holsey | More than 125 residents, community leaders, and civic advocates gathered recently in Orange Park, Florida for a community screening of The Librarians, a documentary examining the national debate over book bans and access to information in schools and libraries.
The event included an Expo Hall featuring local authors Dre Griggs and Dr. Chanda Nicole Holsey, followed by the film screening, a panel discussion, audience Q&A, and networking opportunities for organizations and residents interested in civic engagement.
The panel discussion was moderated by Phillip W. Miner and featured Julie Miller, a librarian highlighted in the film; Rev. Jeffrey Dove, a local pastor who also appears in the documentary; Sophia Brown of PEN America; Shelly Hughes, a trauma specialist; and Daniel Richardson of the NAACP Clay County Youth Council.
Parents attending the event shared concerns about the impact of book restrictions on students. Anna Kaye Beckett, a parent in the Clay County School District, said she believes book bans limit children’s access to knowledge and expressed frustration that her children are no longer able to freely visit their school libraries.
Another parent, Wanda Ivee, said the documentary helped her better understand the scope of the issue and inspired her to become more involved in community discussions about education.
Rev. Jeffrey Dove spoke about the personal impact of removing content related to African American history and banning books by Black authors. He emphasized that Black history should remain part of educational curricula and encouraged churches to play a role in preserving and teaching that history.
Panelists also discussed Florida’s 2023 book restriction law and ongoing legal challenges. Speakers noted that recent court rulings striking down parts of the law offer hope that constitutional protections surrounding access to information will continue to be debated and clarified.
The program concluded with a call for collaboration among local organizations working to support public education and civic engagement across Clay County.