The personal is political is a slogan out of second wave feminism. Fifty years later the idea that there are many deeply personal issues that are politicised by those who wish to impose themselves into other people’s lives, and conversely, many deeply personal issues that historically people in power have claimed to /not/ be political, is still just as relevant as it ever was.

It’s relevant in libraries as well. Who can access the library is deeply personal for those who, perhaps, wish to have a safe place to study (e.g. students who can’t study at home), rest (e.g. homeless people), or educate (e.g. parents with children). Public libraries are public, but public spaces don’t mean that everyone is accepted, everyone is allowed to be in a place, or that everyone /feels/accepted. 

In this talk I will look at the idea that libraries are neutral; and if that even means anything. I will examine how decisions (including around collections, opening hours, and even furniture and the names of rooms), including the absence of decisions, can influence who feels welcome at your library and who doesn’t. As there is no perfect solution, I won’t tell you what decisions you should or shouldn’t make; instead I ask you to consider the possible consequences.

And remember, /everything/ is political.