LPB, EBR Library, Indie Lens Pop-up Present Story of Simple Nation-Shaping Idea
Louisiana Public Broadcasting, the East Baton Rouge Parish Library, and Indie Lens Pop-Up, presented by ITVS and INDEPENDENT LENS, will host a screening of Free For All: The Public Library, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A. Free For All: The Public Library tells the story of the quiet revolutionaries who created a civic institution where everything is free and the doors are open to all.
The public library is one of America’s most valued yet endangered institutions. Film Director Dawn Logsdon travels the United States, discovering historic and modern-day figures, especially women, who contributed to the library’s integral position within democracy. Free For All: The Public Library chronicles the evolution of the nation’s public libraries, tracing the battles over who can enter, what belongs there, and who makes these decisions, while exploring how public commons are defined and defended.
- WHAT: FREE preview screening of Free For All: The Public Library followed by a panel discussion and Q&A about the value of the public library system.
- WHO: Presenters: Louisiana Public Broadcasting, East Baton Rouge Parish Library, and Indie Lens Pop-Up
- WHEN: Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 3 p.m.
- WHERE: The Main Library at Goodwood, 7711 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA, 70806
- RSVP: www.lpb.org/free-for-all
After the screening, hear and participate in an engaging discussion about how public libraries shape communities and continue to be a sanctuary for citizens everywhere. Panelists include Dr. Carol Barry, the Bert R. and Judith I. Boyce Professor in the School of Information Studies at Louisiana State University, and Tyler Litt, social impact strategist, leadership advisor, and founder of HireLitt. The conversation will be moderated by Mary Stein, the EBRPL's Assistant Director of Administration.
The film will have open captions and there will be an ASL interpreter to enhance accessibility during the panel discussion. Additionally, the library has portable receivers/headphones for attendees who may be hard of hearing.
Free For All: The Public Library will debut in April on LPB and PBS stations nationwide. Subscribe to LPB’s weekly newsletter at https://www.lpb.org/news/newsletters to learn more details as they are announced.
About Louisiana Public Broadcasting:
Since 1975, LPB has been the public television network for Louisiana with stations in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe and Shreveport. LPB is also affiliated with WLAE-TV in New Orleans. In addition to its award-winning documentaries about Louisiana’s history and people, LPB is dedicated to helping children throughout the state develop literacy, math and science skills through educational resources and outreach programs.
About the East Baton Rouge Parish Library:
The East Baton Rouge Parish Library is a community service organization that connects its citizens with information, materials, resources, technology, and experiences to make a positive difference in their lives. The Library contributes to the quality of life, enjoyment, enlightenment, and economic vitality of its diverse and dynamic community.
About Indie Lens Pop-Up:
Indie Lens Pop-Up is a community series that brings people together for film screenings and conversations. Featuring documentaries seen on PBS's INDEPENDENT LENS, Indie Lens Pop-Up draws together residents, leaders, and organizations to discuss what matters most.
About INDEPENDENT LENS:
INDEPENDENT LENS is an Emmy® Award-winning PBS documentary series, presented by Independent Television Service (ITVS). It has been honored with 10 Academy Award nominations, featuring documentaries united by the creative freedom, artistic achievement, and unflinching visions of independent filmmakers.