How Libraries Discriminate Against Undocumented Children
Erica Sánchez, author of I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, wrote an interesting piece for Time about how public libraries, perhaps inadvertently, create barriers that can prevent undocumented immigrants from obtaining library cards. For example, if libraries require government-issued photo identification, and the state doesn’t provide driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants, then this can be a barrier preventing immigrants from accessing public libraries. Sánchez argues that this is particularly troubling when those denied services are kids, commenting that “libraries are supposed to be a safe haven for children.”
Sánchez reached out to one library that had this policy, with fabulous results:
It was with this frustration that I called Jane Schoen, the director of the library and explained to her that their policy was discriminatory. To my surprise, she said she never considered that this would create a barrier for undocumented people. I asked Schoen to reconsider the policy, and when I followed up the next month, I learned that the board had changed the requirement to a photo ID that did not have to be government-issued. When I asked Schoen why the library had agreed to change their policy, she said simply, “Because you brought it to our attention, and it made sense.”
The next time that you’re visiting your public library, consider inquiring about what is needed to obtain a library card.
-KitJ