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Prairie Public invites the public to free Indie Lens pop-up screenings in Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Moorhead of “The Librarians,” a documentary that follows a courageous network of besieged librarians as they unite to examine how book restriction policies are shaping library collections.
From Oscar-nominated Director and Producer Kim A. Snyder and Executive Producer Sarah Jessica Parker, “The Librarians” takes viewers from Texas to Florida and beyond, where local libraries have become unexpected battlegrounds in a national struggle over parental control, intellectual freedom, and democracy itself. Sparked by the controversial “Krause List” in Texas, which targets 850 books centered on race and LGBTQIA+ stories, the film takes a deep investigative dive into the escalating movement against book banning. The film captures the courage and resilience of the everyday heroes, librarians, as well as concerned parents and students flanking them, who have become first responders in the fight for the freedom to read, standing defiantly against censorship at all costs.
- Grand Forks, ND
Monday, April 20
Grand Forks Public Library
The documentary starts at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.
- Moorhead, MN
Tuesday, April 21
Moorhead Public Library in The Loop (New Location)
The documentary starts at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.
- Bismarck, ND
Wednesday, April 22
Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library
The documentary starts at 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.
RSVP: Free tickets for each event can be reserved here.
After each screening, a panel will host an engaging discussion that highlights the expertise of public and school librarians, including their role in supporting the freedom to read.
“The Librarians” debuted on PBS’ Independent Lens in February 2026, and can be viewed on the PBS app.
About Prairie Public
Prairie Public, a nonprofit public media organization and member station of PBS and NPR, provides content and services utilizing television, radio, and digital platforms. Prairie Public is headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota, and serves the state of North Dakota, northwestern Minnesota, and southern Manitoba. For more information, visit prairiepublic.org.
About Indie Lens Pop-Up
For more than 20 years, the award-winning Indie Lens Pop-Up program has partnered with local organizations across the country to bring people together for film screenings and community-driven conversations. Inspired by the documentaries featured on PBS’ INDEPENDENT LENS, Indie Lens Pop-Up is a space for sharing ideas and making connections that shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Since its inception in 2005, nearly half a million participants have come together at Indie Lens Pop-Up events to discuss issues that impact local communities. Learn more at pbs.org/indielenspopup.
About INDEPENDENT LENS
INDEPENDENT LENS is an award-winning documentary series that fosters understanding, seeks to build empathy, and encourages a more united society. Produced by ITVS, INDEPENDENT LENS documentaries have premiered on PBS for 25 years and streamed on YouTube, helping Americans foster deeper connections between communities and themselves. From the Oscar-nominated “I Am Not Your Negro” to the Peabody-acclaimed docuseries “Philly D.A”. and the EmmyⓇ award-winning “The Invisible War”, INDEPENDENT LENS provides viewers with in-depth, nuanced storytelling reflecting the experiences of people from a variety of voices and communities. INDEPENDENT LENS is funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting: a private corporation funded by the American People, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Ford Foundation, Acton Family Giving, Park Foundation, and Wyncote Foundation.
Stream anytime on the PBS app or YouTube. Learn more at pbs.org/independentlens.