Why These Librarians Are Running for State Political Office–And You Should, Too: Book Censorship News, May 1, 2026

Current job/former job:Former Regional Manager at Nashville Public Library

Website/Social Media links:
https://www.lindseyfortn.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lindseypatrickwright
https://substack.com/@lindseyfortn https://www.facebook.com/share/1CkesKrwbf/?mibextid=wwXIfr
https://www.tiktok.com/@lindseypatright?_r=1&_t=ZT-95jXajcq6kn

Election Date: November 3, 2026

What compelled you to run for state office?

I was compelled to run after speaking out against book bans at my local school board meetings—something that unexpectedly resonated far beyond our community. Those moments went viral, but what mattered more was what happened locally. In a largely conservative area, people began reaching out—teachers, parents, librarians—who felt like they had been quietly fighting these battles alone. Together, we built a community rooted in shared values: supporting public schools, respecting educators, and protecting access to information.

We were able to push back successfully at the local level. But here in Tennessee, where there is a Republican supermajority, we then saw state legislators override communities like ours—passing laws that forced book bans, advanced voucher programs that shift funding away from public schools, and imposed policies we had already rejected. That disconnect made it clear to me that local advocacy wasn’t enough. If these decisions are being made at the state level, then that’s where I need to be—to represent communities like mine that have already spoken.

What priorities do you have for the position were you to be elected?

My priorities center on protecting and reinvesting in public education and public institutions. In Tennessee, we’re seeing a continued push toward policies like school vouchers that redirect funding away from public schools and into private systems, often without the same level of accountability. I believe we should be strengthening—not undermining—our public schools and libraries.

I’m also committed to protecting intellectual freedom and ensuring educators and librarians can do their jobs without political interference. That means opposing legislation that makes it harder for teachers to teach honestly or for librarians to serve their communities fully. Just as importantly, I want to restore a sense of respect for local decision-making, so communities are not overruled by state mandates that don’t reflect their values.

Where and how do you feel your background as a librarian prepared you for public office?

My background as a librarian prepared me in ways that go beyond policy—it prepared me for people. Librarians are trained to navigate complexity, evaluate information, and serve diverse communities with fairness and care. That skill set is critical in public office, especially in a climate where misinformation and division can shape policy decisions.

Libraries are also one of the last truly public, shared spaces. Working in that environment taught me how to listen across differences and stay grounded in service. And when challenges like book bans arise, librarians are often on the front lines—balancing legal requirements, community needs, and professional ethics. That experience has given me both the resilience and clarity needed to step into this role.

What would you tell fellow library workers considering a run for political office to encourage them to do it?

I would tell them that their perspective is urgently needed—especially right now. In states like Tennessee, where policy decisions are increasingly affecting what people can read, teach, and access, it matters who is at the table.

Librarians already understand how systems work and where they fail people. You’ve likely already advocated for your community in ways that required courage and persistence. Running for office is simply an extension of that work. If you care about access, equity, and informed communities, your voice belongs in these spaces.

What’s one thing you want the general public to know about libraries and what is one thing that they can do to support their public libraries and public school libraries?

Libraries are about far more than books—they are about access, opportunity, and community stability. In a time when public institutions are being challenged, libraries remain one of the few places where people can freely access information, technology, and support without barriers.

One of the most important things people can do is to be visible in their support. What I learned through our local advocacy is that many people value their libraries and schools, but assume they’re alone. When community members speak up—at meetings, at the ballot box, and in everyday conversations—it not only protects these institutions, it strengthens them.