Dorothy Lazard on the Ambitious Mission of Libraries and the People that Make them Function

“The public library is our country’s last truly democratic institution,” writes celebrated librarian and public historian Dorothy Lazard. In her 40-year career, half at Oakland’s main branch, Lazard was on the front lines of libraries’ mission to provide free access to all and to serve as a hub of civic life. She was also witness to book bans, financial crises and the many challenges that threaten the institution. Her new book, “Behind the Desk at the Main: A Librarian’s Memoir,” offers a personal portrait of how libraries work and the people that keep them functioning, and a rousing call to protect them. Guest: Dorothy Lazard, author, Behind the Desk at the Main: A Librarian’s Memoir; former head librarian, Oakland History Center; author, What You Don’t Know Will Make a Whole New World Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices