this post was submitted on 29 Nov 2023
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A public library is just that: a public service facility. To that end, the local community sets the standards and the folks who run the library should ensure the catalog reflects the community standards. Different communities may have different standards. The local libraries should reflect those standards and abide by them.
This is how it has always worked, and it worked well. We need to stop trying to impose some kind of “one size fits all” mentality where the self-appointed power brokers of the coasts tell the rural folks in the Midwest that they suck because they don’t want their kids exposed to books they find objectionable. Likewise, the Midwesterners should not be telling the coast-dwellers how to stock their libraries.
No thanks.
If we adhered to that standard, my local library would be nothing but Left Behind books, Christian romance novels, various bibles, and right wing political books.
Yeah, I personally think most of the books you mentioned are incredibly damaging to children and they shouldn’t read them, but ultimately I know it’s none of my business and it’s up to them and their parents to decide that. It would never even occur to me to suggest that they be removed from the library.
I don’t think anyone was suggesting removing the Left Behind books, just that they not be the only option.
And what happens when said "community standards" are ultimately damaging, such as in this case?