The Santa Barbara Public Library and Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) will jointly present a screening of the documentary “The Librarians,” followed by a conversation with director Kim A. Snyder, 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29 at the Riviera Theatre, 2044 Alameda Padre Serra, Santa Barbara.

Click here for tickets. The movie’s runtime is one hour 32 minutes.

Library on the Go will be onsite before the event, offering attendees the chance to learn more about library services, checkout and return materials, create library cards, and connect directly with library staff.

“At a moment when libraries and library professionals across the country face increasing political attacks, censorship efforts, and threats to intellectual freedom, this event invites the community to better understand the climate libraries are navigating, and the critical role we all play in defending democracy,” the Santa Barbara Library Foundation said.

The film follows librarians across the United States who are uniting to combat book banning and censorship, placing libraries on the frontlines of defending democracy amid unprecedented challenges in Texas, Florida, and beyond, the foundation said.

“We are thrilled that SBIFF is screening this important film,” said Brandon Beaudette, library director of the Santa Barbara Public Library. “This film illuminates the work libraries are doing every day to protect access to information, uphold intellectual freedom, and serve our communities with integrity.”

Opening at the Jan. 29 screening of “The Librarians,” the “I Love My Library” campaign invites the Santa Barbara community to visibly and collectively show support for its public libraries and library staff.

From Feb. 1-14, Valentine-themed collection boxes will be placed at participating local businesses and schools throughout Santa Barbara.

At each location, pre-printed postcards with thoughtful prompts will be available to help make writing a valentine message to the library easy for all ages.

The messages will be used in ongoing advocacy efforts to demonstrate broad public support for libraries, according to the foundation.

“As libraries face continued attacks nationwide, we need community voices more than ever to push back,” said Lauren Trujillo, executive director of the Santa Barbara Public Library Foundation.

“The ‘I Love My Library’ campaign is a tangible way for people of all ages to show their support and help us and library stakeholders advocate for the future of our libraries,” she said.