Defending Public Libraries and Education from Political Attacks with Patrick Sweeney

Public libraries and schools have long been pillars of democracy, providing access to knowledge, diverse perspectives, and the freedom to learn. But today, they are under attack. Book bans are surging, librarians are being threatened with arrest, and political groups are using these assaults as fundraising tools to gain power and control over public education.

In this episode of The Counter, we sit down with Patrick Sweeney, Political Director for EveryLibrary, to discuss the urgent need to protect public libraries, combat censorship, and defend the right to read and learn freely. This fight isn’t just about books—it’s about preserving democracy, intellectual freedom, and an informed society.

🎧 Join us for a critical conversation on why protecting public education and libraries is more important than ever—and how you can take action.

To learn more about EveryLibrary, please visit their website at everylibrary.org

To learn more about The Counter, please visit our website at thecounterpac.com

Host:  Penny Ronning

Writer:  Penny Ronning

Producers:  Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe

Editor:  Ty Lowe

Sound Designer/Engineer:  Ty Lowe

Music:  Ty Lowe, Konstantin Klimov

Intro Vocals:  Roy Pack

Graphic Design:  Penny Ronning, Ty Lowe

Website:  Ty Lowe

Social Media:  Emma Trunkle

 

Patrick Sweeney Bio

Patrick Sweeney is a 2007 San Jose School of Library and Information Sciences graduate, Patrick is a former school librarian, Administrative Librarian, and was Executive Director of EveryLibrary California, a statewide initiative to support library propositions.  He was awarded Library Journal’s “Movers and Shakers” award in 2015 for his library advocacy work.  He is co-author of “Winning Elections and Influencing Politicians for Library Funding” as well as “Before the Ballot; Building Support for Library Funding.”  He was recently recognized with a “40 Under 40” award by the American Association of Political Consultants for his work fighting for libraries at EveryLibrary.  He is a lecturer at the San Jose Information School where he teaches courses on politics and libraries.  He is active across social media as PC Sweeney.

The Counter is a registered non-connected political action committee and is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.