Local libraries across the US are facing pressure for having books related to racial justice and LGBTQ+ themes. In this week’s episode, journalist Claire Woodcock walks us through one situation in Jamestown Township, MI that ended with the town voting to defund its library. As Claire explains, a version of this story is playing out across the country and could have huge consequences for libraries as a public institution and on the communities they serve.

This episode was reported by Claire Woodcock and produced and hosted by Julia Nutter. Editing by Stephanie Kariuki. 

Special thanks to Jason Koebler and the VICE Motherboard team. 

VICE News Reports is produced by Sam Eagan, Sophie Kazis, Adreanna Rodriguez, and Adriana Tapia. Our senior producers are Jesse Alejandro Cottrell, Janice Llamoca, and Julia Nutter. Our supervising producer is Ashley Cleek. Our associate producer is Steph Brown.

Sound design and music composition by Steve Bone, Pran Bandi, and Kyle Murdock. 

Our executive producers are Adizah Eghan and Stephanie Kariuki.

Annie Aviles is our Executive Editor and Janet Lee is Senior Production Manager for VICE Audio. Fact Checking by Nicole Pasulka. Our theme music is by Steve Bone. Our host is Arielle Duhaime-Ross. 

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