Last month, Philanos Board members Renee Gordon and Ann Marie McGee had the opportunity to meet filmmaker Kim A. Snyder, director and producer of the acclaimed documentary THE LIBRARIANS, at the Philanthropy Infrastructure conference in Washington, DC. Our conversation was a reminder of the many ways philanthropy intersects with the issues shaping our communities — including access to information, civic engagement, education, and the freedom to read.

THE LIBRARIANS follows librarians across the country who have found themselves on the front lines of an escalating debate over which books should be available in schools and public libraries. Snyder’s documentary, which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and is a 2026 Primetime Emmy nominee, looks beyond individual book challenges to explore their impact on librarians, educators, young people, and communities. (The Librarians Film | Official Site)

The timing of our conversation felt especially relevant as Banned Books Week, October 4–10, 2026, approaches. This year’s theme, “Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read,” invites communities to consider the importance of open access to ideas and information. The week concludes October 10 with Let Freedom Read Day, encouraging people to take action in support of the freedom to read. (Banned Books Week)

For those of us engaged in collective giving, THE LIBRARIANS also raises interesting questions about philanthropy’s role. How can funders support strong community institutions? Where can philanthropy help create space for dialogue, education, and civic participation? And how do we listen to and support nonprofit and community leaders navigating issues that can be both deeply local and part of a much larger national conversation?

That is part of what we hope to explore through Thoughts From the Field — sharing encounters, ideas, and observations from across the philanthropic landscape that may spark conversations within our Philanos community. Meeting Kim Snyder was one of those moments. As Banned Books Week approaches, we encourage you to learn more about THE LIBRARIANS, consider watching the film or hosting a screening, and perhaps begin a conversation within your own giving circle about the freedom to read and the role philanthropy can play in supporting informed, engaged communities. (The Librarians Film | Official Site)