From its inception, the East Side Freedom Library has recognized artists activists as essential forces for reshaping community narratives. We believe there can be no freedom without truth, and that artists bring forth the stories that define who we are and who we aspire to become.
At ESFL, cultural work is a vital tool for advancing our mission to mobilize community knowledge for solidarity, justice, and equity. We prioritize the arts as a means for individuals and communities to share their stories and for these stories to be heard. Through diverse programming—including poetry, visual art, theater, storytelling, dance, and music—we center narratives from the margins, making them part of our shared understanding.
ESFL has become a vibrant hub where community members come together to learn, connect, and create knowledge. Our work is deeply rooted in the belief that stories are the building blocks of our efforts, shaping the way we understand and engage with the world. Through public programming, performances, and exhibits, we explore the intersections of arts, humanities, and storytelling, making these connections central to our mission. Through a range of events and initiatives, we create spaces where marginalized voices are amplified, histories are preserved, and communities are united in the fight for equity and justice.
Our work includes:
- Music Between the Stacks
- Literary, cinema, dance, and theater events
- Workshops and art-making
- Events that allow community to express their story, knowledge, and ways of knowing the world