[Publib] Re: Male staff in the youth area

[Sue Bowser]

Our library and most libraries I know require staff and volunteers working
with children or in the children's area to have a criminal background check.
Perhaps telling the mother that would relieve her concerns.  While I can't
agree with her, I can understand why some nervous parents freak out.  If you
listened to cable news a few days ago you learned not only when the
confessed killer of Jon Benet flew back to LA, but what he had to eat, drink
and how many times he went to the bathroom.  No wonder some parents are
imagining every unknown male is a potential pedophile.

 

I loved the Washington Post article about Mr. Tony.  Ten or twelve years ago
the library I was then at had a part time male children's librarian, a
fellow with an elementary degree who hadn't found a job in the public
schools.  Mr. Rich was great with the children and jokingly referred to
himself as the "Library Stud."  In those less nervous days no one objected
to a lone male in the children's room.

 

Sue Bowser

Manager, Adult Services

Lancaster Public Library

125 N. Duke St.

Lancaster, PA 17602

(717) 239-2117

sbowser at lancaster.lib.pa.us

 

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