Ohio University Southern to host screening of 'Free for All: The Public Library'

For generations, public libraries have served as gateways to knowledge, community and opportunity. They are spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can gather, learn and grow.

Ohio University Southern will celebrate this legacy with a free screening of "Free for All: The Public Library," on Thursday, March 27, at 5:30 p.m. in the Riffe Rotunda, in partnership with WOUB Public Media. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with regional library leaders who will share insights on the evolving role of libraries and the essential services they provide to their communities.

Moderated by Ohio Southern Library Manager Barbara Costas-Biggs, the panel will feature Briggs Lawrence County Public Library Director Gretchen Claypool, Cabell County Public Library Executive Director Breana Roach Bowen, and Portsmouth Public Library Director Paige Williams.

"Free for All: The Public Library," chronicles the history of one of America’s most valued institutions, from its early days as part of the Free Library Movement to its modern-day role as a public service lifeline. The film, directed by Dawn Logsdon and co-directed by Lucie Faulknor, introduces viewers to trailblazers such as Ernestine Rose, a New York librarian who championed multilingual book collections for immigrant communities, and Regina Andrews, one of the first African American librarians to lead a New York Public Library branch. It also follows contemporary library workers, like Elizabeth Timmins, who personally knows the reading preferences of every patron in her small Wisconsin town, and Tameka Roby, a bookmobile driver in Louisiana ensuring children, seniors and families have access to books and critical resources.

Throughout the film, key themes emerge about the enduring role of public libraries in American democracy. Libraries are more than just buildings filled with books—they are places where people engage in lifelong learning, access reliable information and connect with their communities. They have been shaped by the efforts of pioneering women who built and sustained them, ensuring that knowledge was accessible to all, regardless of background or income. The film also examines the challenges public libraries have faced over time, from early segregation and exclusion to modern debates over intellectual freedom, book bans and budget constraints.

At a time when public spaces are disappearing and digital information is not always reliable, libraries continue to be vital gathering places. They provide critical services beyond books, offering technology resources, language classes, job search assistance and safe spaces for those in need. The work of librarians has evolved in response, as they serve not only as information experts but also as community advocates, bridging gaps in public services and fostering connections among people.

The 2025 Women’s History Month theme, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating and Inspiring Generations,” highlights the impact of women in shaping educational spaces and advocating for lifelong learning. Public libraries reflect this mission, serving as places where knowledge is freely shared, creativity is nurtured and everyone belongs.

Community members are invited to attend and gain a deeper appreciation for the role libraries play in strengthening democracy, fostering education and ensuring equitable access to resources. More importantly, they will hear firsthand from library directors about the ways these institutions continue to serve and evolve.

The event is free and open to the public.