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Related pagesSan Juan Island Library Web site Previous columnsStock up on books for November Join in "The September Project Family-friendly approach to learning English Book Learnin' Isn't All "How-To" Library's levy lid lift more than a decade old I never thought I'd say these words, but… Flags Will Be Flying High on the Fifth Teens learn and earn at the library It's a Book! It's Art! No, It's Book Arts! Library in the hands of Buffalo Design |
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Banned Books on Display
At the recent forum hosted by the San Juan Island Library in commemoration of the September 11 terrorist attacks, I spoke about two of the cornerstones of the American public library: the free and equal access to information and the right to privacy for each individual. Banned Books week (September 25-October 1, 2004) is celebrated by libraries across the nation each year, highlighting books that have been banned by schools, school libraries, public libraries, and other institutions over the years, as tracked by the Office for Intellectual Freedom of the American Library Association. What, exactly, do we mean by "banned" books? For most public libraries, the first thing that happens is that an individual or group makes a verbal complaint about a book. If the issue is not resolved by this process, a written "challenge" is submitted - a formal request that the item be removed from the shelf. This request is made to the Board of Trustees, which then considers the challenge and decided whether or not to keep the material. If the book or tape is subsequently removed from the library's collection, it has been "banned." In the three years I have been with the San Juan Island Library District, we have not received any formal challenges to library materials. I have had, however, quite a few complaints and verbal requests to remove items from the collection. Usually it is on the basis of perceived obscenity or offensiveness. "Books usually are challenged with the best of intentions - to protect others, frequently children, from difficult ideas and information." (ALA))." I do my best to explain the philosophy of inclusiveness we practice, and to direct the patron to materials more appropriate for them. Two of the most frequently banned books in history are the Bible and the dictionary. Come on in to the library and take a look at our display of banned books - you'll be surprised.
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