This digest argues that free, public libraries foster and fortify democracy and democratic citizenship. Because libraries offer services and materials representing many points of view, they allow citizens to fulfill their civic and personal responsibilities and to exercise their liberties. Particularly for former communist countries, libraries can provide citizens access to previously restricted information, allowing them to participate in the democratic process with a more informed perspective and voice. A variety of programs through which U.S. libraries can aid library systems throughout the world can and thus strengthen the democratic climates abroad are listed. The digest includes a list of four sources for information about libraries and democracy. A 12-item bibliography concludes the document.