As I may have already mention, I work in a library. What you may not know is that libraries are very controversial, especially to those who need a cause in their lives.
The above quote is from the movie The Way We Were. In this movie, Katie, is never happy unless she is working for a cause. This ultimately ends her marriage, but I digress....
One of the county libraries here in KY is facing a difficult problem involving the difference between censorship and civic responsibility. Two of the library employees were dismissed for removing a graphic novel from the shelves without permission and refusing it to patrons. They violated several privacy laws in doing this (looking up patron name, age, etc...) all in the name of child protection.
Now, this particular county is all up in arms and the library is being scrutinized for it's acquisition policy and how it is a danger to the community and the lives of their children. They want several adult books removed from the library because children can see them and check them out. The library stands behind it's policy that it is the parents, not the library, that should monitor what their child reads...this particular group disagrees.
So here is my question, dear readers, where do we draw the line? When does it turn from civic responsibility into censorship? Or is it all the same thing? Whose is ultimately responsible for our children?
Discuss.....
I think it is the parents to say whether or not a child or anyone for that matter can read a certain book. It is not the librarians decision. The care for the books not dictate what you can and can not read. Maybe there can be a parental signature thing or something like that to make sure the parents know what there kids are reading kinda like we do with movies.
ReplyDeleteI meant that "they care for the books"
ReplyDeletePersonally, I would love to have all organizations responsible and Christ-like enough to say, "no, we don't want that trash here." But unfortunately that doesn't happen. So it is ultimately up to a parent to make sure their children only read what they deem appropriate.
ReplyDelete"sometimes it just isn't the right fight."
ReplyDeleteFor me, that strikes right at the heart of the discussion. The best way to address this issue would be for these activists to offer opportunities for library parents to learn the full range of materials offered at the library, the extent of the library's ability to guide the selection habits of their patrons, and maybe even classes on encouraging healthy reading.
No matter how much it feels good to use power to inflict your will on others, it is not the Jesus way. Some activists need a heavy dose of Matthew 23. The world's not gonna get better with people flexing their muscles to get their way.