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The Livermore Public Library recently hosted a guest speaker to share about his experience visiting Israel, despite demands to cancel the event.
Social media critics claimed the event was unconscionable, disappointing, inappropriate and even disgusting in light of Israel’s acts against Palestinians during the war with Hamas, which some allege represent genocide.
In the face of opposition, the city reiterated the library’s commitment to intellectual freedom and equitable access to a range of perspectives, citing the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights.
Ultimately, “Armchair Travelers: Bus Tour of Historic Israel” presented by Harry Briley, took place on Nov. 14 at the Civic Center Library to an audience of nearly 50 people.
“The Library acknowledges and understands the feelings of community members that may be uncomfortable with this or other programs, but we hope that they will find other programs and services that interest them and continue to engage with their Library,” city representatives told Livermore Vine.
Library staff veered away from social media comments, instead choosing only to respond to emails regarding the program as “this format allows for more meaningful and respectful exchanges than social media platforms often facilitate,” officials said.
They added, the Armchair series is designed to inspire and inform, not promote any particular country or site for tourism. “The November event was no exception, focusing on the presenter’s personal experiences while avoiding discussions of current conflicts,” officials said. “By offering programs like this, the Library continues to fulfill its role as a cornerstone of a vibrant, informed community.”
I attended that Armchair presentation. It was interesting and well presented. NO discussion about politics or anything else that I noticed. Just cities and historic sites, food, etc. Hard to imagine it was offensive.