News Release: Librarians Agree- Every Story Matters
STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI
JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA
HAWAI‘I STATE PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM
ʻOihana Hale Waihona Puke Aupuni o ka Mokuʻāina o Hawaiʻi
STACEY A. ALDRICH
STATE LIBRARIAN
KE PO‘O HALE WAIHONA PUKE MOKU‘ĀINA
Librarians Agree—Every Story Matters
Celebrate with film and activities Oct. 4–10
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 2, 2026
HONOLULU – Every story matters. That’s the message librarians and intellectual-freedom advocates from around the State are highlighting next week.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi (“ACLU of Hawaiʻi”), the Hawaiʻi Association of School Librarians, the Hawaiʻi Library Association, and the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System have come together to encourage the community to share the stories that matter to them, discover different perspectives and life experiences, and engage in thoughtful conversations about the diverse stories found in our communities and libraries.
Every Story Matters Week coincides with the American Library Association’s annual Banned Books Week, which celebrates the freedom to read and highlights the importance of access to information. Hawaiʻi’s broader program goes far beyond banned books.
The week kicks off with a free community screening of The Librarians, which will be held on Sun, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. at the Doris Duke Theatre. The film, directed by Kim A. Snyder and awarded with the 2026 Emmy for Exceptional Merit In Documentary Filmmaking, features librarians who are emerging as first responders in the fight for democracy and our First Amendment Rights. Following the screening, a panel of local library, education, and legal professionals will discuss the issues raised in the film and their relevance here in Hawaiʻi.
During Oct. 4–10, public libraries across Hawaiʻi will feature Every Story Matters displays where patrons of all ages can share the stories that matter to them, explore books from the library’s collection and discover stories shared by others. The displays will reflect the many experiences, interests and perspectives that make up Hawaiʻi’s communities.
ACLU of Hawaiʻi’s Immigrants’ Rights Staff Attorney Leilani Stacy shared, “With the rise of attacks on public figures and ordinary citizens for simply telling their stories or openly critiquing the government, it’s more important than ever that our public libraries continue to protect our First Amendment rights. Keiki and adults alike deserve to see themselves represented in media, and also to learn about people who are different—this free exchange of ideas and stories is at the heart of democracy.”
“Every story matters because every student matters. Our library shelves should be a reflection of our diverse school communities,” says Daphne Miyashiro, Hawaiʻi Association of School Librarians (HASL) President. “HASL is committed to supporting our students’ freedom to read.”
“Libraries help us discover stories beyond our own,” said Jenny Foster, Hawai‘i Library Association former president & Immediate Past President of the American Association of Law Libraries. “Stories meaningfully connect us across every walk of life, and human connection is the antidote to fear and chaos. We hope the film demonstrates how every story matters, and that sharing and listening to each other’s voices is how we strengthen our community.”
“Libraries belong to everyone, and each person brings a story with them,” said State Librarian Stacey A. Aldrich. “Together, we can make space for the stories that connect us and consider whose voices are heard, whose are missing, and whose stories are at risk of being silenced.”
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