Democracy Depends on All of Us

Both hallowed and humble, libraries are central to community engagement and vitality. In fact, there are more libraries in the U.S. (an estimated 125,211, according to the American Library Association) than there are McDonald’s and Starbucks combined. As one of our leading democratic institutions, libraries encourage people to gather, learn, connect—and even disagree. Actions that the speakers at a recent event held by The Pew Charitable Trusts believe Americans need to do more of—respectfully and intentionally.

At the closing event of Pew’s “America at 250” speaker series, Pew President and CEO Susan K. Urahn led a discussion with Roswell Encina, president and CEO of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society, and Kelly Richards, president and director of the Free Library of Philadelphia, in Washington on Sept. 16. The event, “America at 250: Democracy, Free Expression, and the Institutions That Sustain Them,” also commemorated the International Day of Democracy.

Richards lauded libraries—or “the people’s university,” as he called them—as places that anyone can go, for free, to improve their knowledge and quality of life and to participate in democracy.

Because libraries are considered safe spaces, both speakers noted, community members can convene there and have challenging, even uncomfortable discussions while learning to understand and appreciate opposing viewpoints. Conversing instead of fighting. Putting aside differences in favor of real engagement.

People can diverge on policies, added Encina, who leads the Capitol Historical Society’s nonpartisan work to preserve the history of Congress and the decisions that have shaped the U.S. But it’s imperative for everyone to “protect the system that allows us to disagree,” he said.

Learning from political tensions and differences

Encina himself had a personal encounter with political tensions on July 4 of this year. While he was riding the Metro in Washington, D.C., that day, hundreds of white supremacists wearing masks boarded his train—and a Getty photographer captured the scene in a widely circulated image.

Encina decided to use the sudden spotlight as a teachable moment to help others realize “that our democracy is fragile, and that we all play an important part in it.” He wrote an article about his experience, focusing on patriotism, America’s complicated history, and the significance of civics education and engagement, including within his own family.

In his role at the Free Library, Richards is also called to navigate divides. Most library programs, regardless of the subject matter, can elicit some negative feedback, but Richards strives to listen to all concerns and make everyone feel heard. He has also succeeded in bringing together people with opposing viewpoints by focusing on the common ground that unites them all: helping children and older generations.

Richards acknowledged that the balancing act isn’t easy, but he said being in the room and engaging in the discussion so that you’re able to find a compromise is the best way to keep championing your beliefs.

Using past experience to inform the present

Both speakers draw from unconventional career trajectories that help them navigate today’s polarized environment.

For 14 years, Encina was a local reporter in various states, covering all segments of the U.S. political spectrum and honing his ability to tell stories and gather diverse perspectives. He later worked at Baltimore’s Enoch Pratt Free Library and helped share and preserve stories as the Library of Congress’ chief of communications.

Richards, for his part, was previously a church pastor. He said his time in the ministry trained him to remain calm, listen actively, and find ways to help others, even when emotions run high and tempers flare—skills that served him well in his later role as a police officer and in navigating thorny topics in any forum.

Democracy, he noted, is “a messy movement forward.”

Seeing promise for the future

Today, Richards and Encina find hope in connecting with visitors and community members and seeing them engage with one another.

Richards still leads occasional story times at the library and is heartened by children’s—and adults’—excitement during those events as well as at game nights and author readings. And he said the rising attendance inspires him “because arts and culture is what ties you to the curiosity of the future.”

Similarly, Encina appreciates witnessing students’ awe and interest when they visit the Capitol and other storied buildings in Washington; he said it reminds him that young people still have an appetite for learning about history, society, and democracy.

Encina stressed that strengthening democracy includes taking individual responsibility. Participation and engagement are key not only at the library or in the voting booth but also at school board and city council meetings, homeowners association gatherings, and other local events. He noted that every generation, from the revolutionaries to civil rights advocates and beyond, has spurred the country to live up to the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence—chief among them, that everyone should be treated equally.

We all have roles to play, he said, “in making sure that we make patriotism and democracy for everyone.”

Mabel Yu is on the editorial staff of Trust magazine.