There’s a new documentary celebrating the history and impact of libraries heading to PBS, and the trailer released today touches on the unequivocal positive impact they—and the librarians who work there—have on communities.
Here’s the synopsis:
Free For All: The Public Library chronicles the fascinating evolution of the American public library’s trajectory, from the original “Free Library Movement” that began in the late 19th century to the present, when many libraries find themselves caught in the crosshairs of the culture wars and struggling to survive amid budget cuts and closures.
The feature comes from filmmakers Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor, who travel across the country visiting libraries large and small, including landmark sites in library history. Free for All also highlights several inspiring librarians, past and present, who, according to marketing materials, uphold “the library’s integral position within our democracy, spreading literacy, offering solace and refuge, and uplifting their communities.”
“Our hope is that this film inspires viewers to see libraries anew—as dynamic, vital institutions at the heart of democracy,” the filmmakers said in a statement. “Libraries are more than places where stories are stored; they are where communities are built, where futures are imagined, and where dignity is upheld.”
Free For All: The Public Library premieres on PBS’s Independent Lens on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 10 p.m. It will also be available to stream on the PBS app at that time.
Check out the trailer below.
