Cinema | April 8th, 2026
By Alicia Underlee Nelson
Prairie Public and Indie Lens Pop-Up will host free screenings of “The Librarians” — a documentary from Oscar-nominated Director and Producer Kim A. Snyder and Executive Producer Sarah Jessica Parker — in April. The film follows librarians who are forced to consider how book bans will affect library collections and patrons when lawmakers review book lists.
Local screenings will be held at the Grand Forks Public Library (2110 Library Circle, Grand Forks) on April 20, at the Moorhead Public Library’s new location at 450 Center Avenue in downtown Moorhead on April 21 and the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Library (515 N. 5th St., Bismarck) on April 22. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the film begins at 6:30 p.m. at all three locations. The public is encouraged to reserve free tickets online in advance. There will be panel discussions highlighting the expertise and responsibilities of school and public librarians after each screening.
“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,” states a March 25, 2026 press release from Prairie Public. “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."
Prairie Public Broadcasting is a North Dakota based, community-owned public broadcaster. Indie Lens Pop-Up has partnered with local organizations to bring documentaries featured on PBS’ “Independent Lens” program to audiences across the United States since 2025.
April 8th 2026
April 8th 2026
March 30th 2026
March 25th 2026
March 23rd 2026