Librarians Agree—Every Story Matters

Posted on: October 6, 2026 | Category: Spotlight

Every story matters. That's the message librarians and intellectual-freedom advocates from around the State are highlighting this next week.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaiʻi ("ACLU of Hawaiʻi"), the Hawaiʻi Association of School Librarians, the Hawaiʻi Library Association, and the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System have come together to encourage the community to share the stories that matter to them, discover different perspectives and life experiences, and engage in thoughtful conversations about the diverse stories found in our communities and libraries.

Every Story Matters Week coincides with the American Library Association's annual Banned Books Week, which celebrates the freedom to read and highlights the importance of access to information. Hawaiʻi's broader program goes far beyond banned books.

From now through October 10, public libraries across Hawaiʻi will feature Every Story Matters displays where patrons of all ages can share the stories that matter to them, explore books from the library's collection and discover stories shared by others. The displays will reflect the many experiences, interests and perspectives that make up Hawaiʻi's communities.

ACLU of Hawaiʻi's Immigrants' Rights Staff Attorney Leilani Stacy shared, "With the rise of attacks on public figures and ordinary citizens for simply telling their stories or openly critiquing the government, it's more important than ever that our public libraries continue to protect our First Amendment rights. Keiki and adults alike deserve to see themselves represented in media, and also to learn about people who are different-this free exchange of ideas and stories is at the heart of democracy."

"Every story matters because every student matters. Our library shelves should be a reflection of our diverse school communities," says Daphne Miyashiro, Hawaiʻi Association of School Librarians (HASL) President. "HASL is committed to supporting our students' freedom to read."

"Libraries help us discover stories beyond our own," said Jenny Foster, Hawai'i Library Association former president & Immediate Past President of the American Association of Law Libraries. "Stories meaningfully connect us across every walk of life, and human connection is the antidote to fear and chaos. We hope the film demonstrates how every story matters, and that sharing and listening to each other's voices is how we strengthen our community."

"Libraries belong to everyone, and each person brings a story with them," said State Librarian Stacey A. Aldrich. "Together, we can make space for the stories that connect us and consider whose voices are heard, whose are missing, and whose stories are at risk of being silenced."