If you have recently driven around the area, you might have noticed that our public libraries are undergoing substantial renovations. The Lewiston Public Library is finishing work on a $3.5 million Cultural Center. The Auburn Public Library is in the process of adding 17,000 square feet of space. In Turner, the public library is in a new location and has been beautifully refurbished. These developments have triggered me to contemplate the importance of public libraries for our nation. In particular, I have been thinking about how they nurture intellectual freedom.

Libraries are exciting places. They invite anyone to come in and explore whatever idea comes across their mind. I remember as a student going into libraries with specific purposes: either to find books about a topic or to find particular lists in the reference section. Something wonderful happened, however, as I was searching: books, magazines or newspapers that were not necessarily related to my search distracted me. A provocative or intriguing book title caught my eye. A newspaper I hadn’t read in months, or years, suddenly was available.

More often than not, I delayed my search and indulged my intellectual curiosity. Sometimes for a few seconds, other times for almost an hour. Often, my initial distraction led to another diversion. After awhile, I realized I had to focus on what I was in the library for. Other times the detours I took sparked new routes of inquiry, either related to the topic at hand or a future one.

Libraries are indispensable to democracy and self-government. They are the fundamental geographical deposits of information for free societies. They implicitly trust because they are open. They empower individuals to better themselves, and thus promote self-responsibility. They are as American as apple pie.

However, some believe they are being damaged by the tactics that the federal government is using to fight the war on terrorism.

In particular, many people point to section 215 of the USA Patriot Act. That section allows the FBI to search records in public libraries. As long as the search is part of an investigation concerning national security or terrorism, it is legal. Critics claim that this provision can mistakenly target innocent people while also allowing too much governmental power over citizens.

The American Library Association is a major critic of the law. They ordered a study to find out how often local, state and federal agents are asking for records. According to the study, since October 2001 at least 200 inquiries were made to libraries in search of information on the internal matters of libraries, which includes reading material.

Supporters of the current law might say that because the study did not ask if the inquiries were directly related to the Patriot Act, it is impossible to prove that the law has encouraged unnecessary snooping by law enforcement officials. There is a Catch-22 element in that argument. Possible legal ramifications – the government’s demand for secrecy in the investigative process – compelled the ALA to set up the survey so that no questions were asked about a possible link between the request and the Patriot Act.

The Bush administration believes the concern over library freedom is unwarranted. A spokesman for the Justice Department, Kevin Madden, stated that “Any conclusion that federal law enforcement has an extraordinary interest in libraries is wholly manufactured as a result of misinformation.”

Congress has voted to reauthorize the Patriot Act. However, the House and Senate passed different versions of the bill. One of the main differences relates to libraries. The Senate bill makes it difficult for the government to go on fishing expeditions. In particular, the government must make evident that a demand for records is connected to a suspect or a person who has interacted with the suspect. The House’s version does not include that safeguard. When Congress reconvenes in September, the different versions have to be reconciled before the bill can go to President Bush.

The broader question involves openness, fear and freedom. If you are a law-abiding American, you should have the right to explore freely for information, facts and knowledge. You shouldn’t have to fear that your government will force librarians to cough up the records of the books that you check out.

If you have some extra time, consider going to a local library for an hour. Take the time to wander and explore. If you are worried that the government might someday, find out what you are interested in, remember the words of Margaret Chase Smith, the late U.S. senator from Maine. In her famous “Declaration of Conscience” speech 55 years ago, she declared that Americanism, among other things, embodied the right to hold unpopular beliefs and the right of independent thought.

Take sustenance in her words and let your mind free.

Karl Trautman has taught political science for more than 20 years. He has been a policy analyst for the Michigan legislature and a research assistant for “Meet The Press.” He chairs the Social Sciences Department at Central Maine Community College and can be reached at [email protected].