It is an illusion to think that the public library is a neutral institution

The modern public library, at its core, falters when it comes to representing ethnic minorities. Despite years of effort to address this imbalance, there remains a glaring underrepresentation in the materials libraries offer, the events they host, and the staff they employ. This lack of diversity is profoundly troubling as it undermines the library's essential function as a communal space—a place where the varied voices of society should have a home and be heard. While the ideal of the library as a neutral, accessible institution endures, the reality paints a very different picture. Libraries often fail to reflect the demographic makeup of the population they serve, resulting in a failure to uphold their fundamental duty of serving all citizens equally.

In any democratic society, representation is not merely a lofty ideal; it is an imperative. Public libraries, as key pillars of democracy, play an indispensable role in both educating the public and fostering social inclusion. They are not only centers for knowledge but also for cultural enrichment and social cohesion. To live up to their mission, libraries must ensure they mirror the full spectrum of the population they serve—not just a select segment. When libraries manage to reflect the diverse fabric of society, they help bolster the democratic process by providing access to the various perspectives vital for the healthy functioning of a democracy. In this context, libraries cannot truly advocate for or promote the principles of representative democracy if they do not themselves embody these ideals.

This is especially crucial in a nation like Denmark, where representative democracy is the established political system. If libraries fail to include all members of the population, they risk undermining the very democratic foundations they are meant to support. A lack of representation can lead to the marginalization of vulnerable groups, slowly eroding the inclusive nature of democratic society itself. Therefore, it is vital that public libraries view themselves not simply as neutral conduits of information, but as active participants in the cultivation and preservation of the democratic diversity that sustains our society.

The “non-Western” population in Denmark, now a rapidly growing segment of society, plays a significant role as taxpayers, workers, and community members. Given their contributions and increasing numbers, it is no longer sufficient to regard representation as a charitable or optional gesture—it is a democratic right. When libraries, as cultural and intellectual institutions, neglect to include and represent these citizens, they effectively deny them their rightful place within the cultural and intellectual spaces that shape society. Representation, then, is not just a matter of practicality; it is a fundamental right for all citizens in a democracy built on the values of equality and justice.

Public libraries are traditionally seen as neutral spaces—places where people can access information free from political or ideological bias. However, this view of neutrality is increasingly becoming an illusion. Public libraries, far from being apolitical, often reflect the political priorities of the powers that be. A clear example of this is the swift and visible response of Danish libraries to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Almost immediately, libraries were adorned in Ukrainian colors, and exhibitions and activities were organized to support Ukraine and raise awareness of the conflict. This was a clear reflection of the Danish government’s stance, and the rapidity with which this was implemented in public library spaces is striking.

In contrast, consider the ongoing war in Gaza. Despite the fact that this conflict has sparked ongoing demonstrations in Denmark, public libraries have remained largely silent. There have been no notable displays, exhibitions, or information campaigns to reflect the concerns of those who are deeply engaged with the issue. This stark absence highlights the fact that libraries, rather than being neutral, are institutions where certain political agendas take precedence, while others are sidelined.

This asymmetry in the representation of different political issues raises crucial questions about who determines which topics are deemed worthy of attention and whose voices are allowed to shape the public narrative. It underscores the reality that public libraries are not independent, neutral entities but are deeply shaped by the political agendas that dominate society. In a democracy where libraries are meant to represent the entire population, it becomes problematic when certain issues receive prominent attention, while others are ignored or marginalized. This highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the library’s role—not as a passive provider of information, but as an active participant in the ongoing political and cultural discourse.