[Publib] Bible study in the library ok? clarification

[Cynthia Rosser]

My gut feeling is that these people were "showing off." That they probably could have met at a home or apartment of one of the group's member but that would not have been a "public witness" of their faith. They are probably hoping that they will get banned because that will prove that they are a persecuted minority of true believers. In fact they may have heard of the previously mentioned case (in California) and be hoping to start a similar case in Texas. 
So be careful about your grounds for asking them to leave the library.
Example:
If they were homeless patrons talking too loudly, would you have asked them to be quite? And if they had continued to be noisy, would you have asked them to leave? If the activity, whether praying or cursing or talking too loudly is disruptive to other patrons then it has no place in the library. 
Cindy Rosser
(voicing this opinion not far north of Bryan)

 
 -----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]On Behalf Of Morse, Angela
Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2007 7:21 PM
To: Publib at Webjunction.Org
Subject: [Publib] Bible study in the library ok? clarification



Thought I should just clarify the behavior- this group was somewhat loudly reciting different passages and praying, not just reading to themselves.

 

Angela Morse

Adult Services Librarian

Bryan Public Library

201 E 26th St.

Bryan, TX 77802

(979) 209-5600


  _____  


From: Morse, Angela 
Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2007 7:02 PM
To: Publib at Webjunction.Org
Subject: Bible study in the library ok?

 

Everyone-

Tonight we had a group doing Bible study in the library. They were not using our meeting room, but were doing it at one of the tables. My understanding is that the Supreme Court recently said certain types of religious activities are not allowed in public libraries. Does Bible study fall under this category? Am I wrong and there is no such Supreme Court ruling?

 

Angela Morse

Adult Services Librarian

Bryan Public Library

201 E 26th St.

Bryan, TX 77802

(979) 209-5600

 

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