I've been distraught by the idea that libraries are neutral since even before I was a baby librarian. I was a college IT person looking to volunteer in a public library system. I ran out of a volunteer orientation session when it became clear my views weren't shared or welcomed.

It was something to not only argue with ppl who didn't have a library background about what I interpreted to be our strong, laudable values, but to have my views shot down by multiple library employees. It'll stick with me forever. I almost gave up on this whole career that day.

I bring this up not because o how sad it would be if librarianship didn't have me in it (lol I wish, sometimes) but because I'm sad about other new passionate, risk-taking members of the field who are met with that kind of disappointment when they try to get a foot in the door.