Book Bans: Emmy-Winning Film On Censorship To Be Screened At Hartford Public Library

HARTFORD, CT — The Hartford Public Library will host a free screening of an Emmy-winning documentary examining book bans and censorship in the United States, followed by a discussion with one of the film's producers.

"The Librarians," directed and produced by Kim A. Snyder, follows school and public librarians involved in disputes over efforts to remove or restrict books.

The film received a 2026 Emmy for Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking, according to the event announcement.

The screening will be held Thursday, Oct. 8, at 6 p.m. at the Hartford Public Library's Downtown Library, 500 Main St.

Following the film, the library will host a discussion featuring producer Janique Robillard and Samantha Lee, co-chair of the Connecticut Library Association's Intellectual Freedom Committee.

The event will include discussion of the documentary and updates following Connecticut policymakers' approval of a "Freedom to Read" law in 2025.

According to the library's announcement, the law requires public and school libraries to establish written policies explaining how materials are selected and how challenges to those materials are handled.

Event details include:

• When: Thursday, Oct. 8, at 6 p.m.
• Where: Garmany Hall, first floor, Hartford Public Library Downtown Library, 500 Main St.
• Cost: Free.
• Program: Screening of "The Librarians," followed by a discussion with Robillard and Lee.
• Registration: Required through Hartford Public Library's online event calendar.

The program coincides with the American Library Association's Banned Books Week, an annual observance focused on the freedom to read and awareness of censorship.