Dupage Policy Journal

The Downers Grove Public Library is hosting an “Art Build” event on April 2, as part of a larger campaign organized by the West Suburban Illinois chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). 

The “Art Build” event is raising questions among conservatives, who argue the library is serving as a venue for left-wing political activism rather than remaining a neutral public space. 

The event is a precursor to the “Fight Fascism” rally scheduled for April 5 in Wheaton. 

Downers Grove Village Council candidate Paul Drabik, who is on the April 1 ballot, has been vocal about concerns regarding the library's management, including issues of transparency and safety. He has raised alarms about the library’s past events, accusing it of aligning with far-left political activism.

“The library needs to respond better to the community,” Drabik previously told the DuPage Policy Journal.

Drabik criticized the removal of a dissenting voice – the sole conservative – from the Library Board, which he believes was an effort to suppress calls for greater accountability, especially regarding the library’s budget and policies. As part of his candidacy Drabik is advocating for an elected library board and greater oversight, urging that taxpayer dollars be spent more responsibly. 

The “Fight Fascism” rally organized by the DSA includes a laundry list of far left talking points. 

“Join us as we stand in solidarity with immigrants, for LGBTQ rights, for a free Palestine, and most of all in opposition to the 'Elonreich.' A better world is possible!" an announcement for the rally reads. 

As the rally approaches, the debate surrounding the library's role in hosting these events is expected to intensify. Further fueling the controversy is the involvement of Action Network, an organization accused of engaging in "astroturfing"—a tactic where well-funded political groups manufacture the appearance of grassroots activism. 

Action Network, founded by Mark Fleischman, has been linked to recent high-profile activist campaigns, such as recent “Tesla Takedown” protests, some of which have included domestic terrorism and have collectively received nearly $8 million from leftist billionaire George Soros.

Critics argue that such efforts mislead the public by creating the illusion of spontaneous, community-driven movements.

"This kind of organizing is known as ‘AstroTurfing’ – a term used to describe top-down efforts that mimic authentic, bottom-up civic engagement," former Wall Street Journal correspondent Asra Nomani posted on X.

Others in the community have weighed in as well.  

A Facebook post linking to a Patch story promoting the “Fight Fascism” Rally was widely condemned. 

“Tell me again how the people painting swastikas, harassing strangers, and firebombing businesses are the good guys,” Michael Glass said. 

Ralph Labuda responded, “Hey Patch, why don't you just call it what it is, antifa trash coming to cause trouble in Wheaton,” and added, “Nothing like the lemmings for the Democrat party and George Soros to be the minions for their stupidity. And they wonder why the Democrat approval rating is down to 26% because these groups are one and the same!” 

Grant Barry remarked, “There's no fascist like a socialist fascist,” while Gerald Grzenia questioned, “Fascism? These imbeciles have no idea what the definition means.” 

Donald Prestley called the Patch, “a piece of sh!t liberal rag,” and stated, “It must be shut down permanently!!!” He also expressed frustration with ongoing protests, saying, “They lost now they have to protest every day. Sooner than later we will get tired of the crybabies!” 

Stephen Perkowski suggested a symbolic gesture for the rally participants, stating, “They should make their own symbol and wear it on an armband to show that they are anti-fascist.”

Terry Newsome, a parent activist and Republican committeeman for Downers Grove who co-hosts the Behind Enemy Lines podcast with Drabik, contends that the library’s support for left-wing groups and events, such as the DSA’s "Fight Fascism" rally, is part of a larger issue of political indoctrination.

“Now the Downers Grove Democrats are allowing socialists to make the library an organizational facility for radical leftist events that are anti-Jewish,” Newsome said. “This is not just about political disagreement—this is about a concerted effort to push radical, anti-American ideologies in our community, including on our children.”

He expressed outrage that the Downers Grove Public Library is serving as the venue for the “Art Build,” claiming that the library is being used as a staging ground for radical leftist activism.

“It's clear that these people are so tightly aligned with radical extremists, including ANTIFA, that socialist organizations feel comfortable using the Downers Grove Public Library to organize events,” he said. 

Newsome has leveled serious accusations against local Democratic leaders, claiming they are colluding through the rally with far-left extremist groups like ANTIFA as a "militant arm" to intimidate parents and silence opposing political voices.

“Downers Grove Democrats have a long history of collaborating with far-left organizations such as the violent extremists ANTIFA,” Newsome said. “Mary Lemanski, a mother from DGN, posted a proclamation in 2022 that she is Anti-Fascist. Jill Bartelemy, another DGN extremist Democrat, regularly collaborated with ANTIFA on Twitter, as seen in old tweets. Downers Grove Democrats use ANTIFA as their militant arm to harass, threaten, and intimidate parents of Downers Grove.”

Newsome also pointed the finger at Downers Grove Commissioner Leslie Sadowski-Fugitt, a prominent local Democrat.

“I find it hard to believe that Leslie Sadowski-Fugitt or the rest of the Downers Grove Democrats weren’t aware of this event taking place,” Newsome said. “They’re so tightly aligned with radical extremists that the socialist organization felt comfortable getting access to the Downers Grove Public Library.”

Newsome said Sadowski-Fugitt "routinely defends ANTIFA while denying its existence" and "neglects to acknowledge prior DuPage County social media manager Mary Lemanski is self-described ANTIFA."

Newsome also noted what he perceives as biased censorship on local social media platforms. He said his comments criticizing the DSA event on the My Downers Grove Facebook page were removed by moderator Bob Rakow, a journalist for Shaw Media. 

“I put up some of my big interviews, right, about how radical Downers Grove is, and they take them down. But they left the threat up there of hitting me and Paul [Drabik], right?” Newsome said. “I’m being silenced, but the threats are allowed to stay.”

In addition to these concerns, Newsome’s criticism extends to the broader role of Mayor Robert T. Barnett, who he claims has remained silent in the face of increasing radicalization within the local Democratic Party. 

“I’m wondering if Downers Grove Mayor Robert T. Barnett will continue staying silent while he allows far-left radical extremists to continue hijacking schools, the library, and the community's reputation,” Newsome said.