[Publib] Censorship

[gpate at cedarcountylibrary.org]

we know our community, and we don't get in anyone's face with stuff.  We
didn't do anything with the new Harry Potter book because we have a lot of
patrons who did not like for us to have candy or pencils out for Halloween
as they considered it a pagan holiday.  We have been able to put more
controversial items on the shelf because we don't make it a big deal. 
Recently  we had a mother concerned about an easy book promoting
lesbianism because it mentioned a child having two mothers--that was the
only reference.  When she talked to the branch manager and me, the branch
manager told her she assumed that the author was making reference to a
mother and a stepmother. I just skimmed the book, & I told her that it
could also refer to polygamist Mormons (we have several in my
neighborhood).  As far as I know that was the end of it. I know being
low-key is not a popular position, but it is a way for us to expand the
collection.

Glenda Pate
Cedar County Library
www.cedarcountylibrary.org

> Anna,
>
> I'm not sure I understand your question. I think that most public
> libraries are sensitive to the possibility that censorship can happen at
> any time and continue to educate people using tools such as Banned Books
> Week, having a good selection policy in place and training staff about
> Intellectual Freedom issues.
>
> As far as handling an issue, we first attempt to resolve the concern
> before it becomes a formal challenge. If we are not able to, we have a
> formal "Request for Reconsideration" form that the patron fills out. Then
> the issue goes to our Board of Trustees for review.
>
> HTH!
>
> Lisë Chlebanowski
> Library Manager
> Sam Garcia Western Avenue Library
> 495 E. Western Ave.
> Avondale, AZ   85323
> 623-333-2611 D
> 623-333-0260 F
> lchlebanowski at avondale.org <mailto:lchlebanowski at avondale.org>
>
> Now Reading: Love the One You're With by Emily Giffin
> Now Listening: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
>
>
> ________________________________
>
> From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
> [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Sawyer, Anna Rebecca
> Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2008 1:17 PM
> To: publib at webjunction.org
> Subject: [Publib] Censorship
>
>
>
> How are most public libraries handling the issue of censorsip lately?  Is
> censorship as much of an issue in public libraries as it is in school
> systems?
>
>
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