One of my favorite t-shirts (which I think I'll wear to work tomorrow) has a star on the front, with the words, "Intellectual Freedom Fighter" printed across it. The star is made up of the names of some of the most banned and challenged books. I love that shirt. It says a lot about me, and how I feel about the right to read whatever one feels like reading, without fear or challenge (except maybe from one's own mother...)
As a librarian, I am in an especially good place to make a difference, when it comes to standing up for freedom of speech. Yes, there are books that make me uncomfortable. Yes, there are books and movies that I wouldn't even consider letting my children read until they're older, but I will NOT tell other people that their child can't read it. I WILL recommend against it on some occassions, with clear reasons why I feel that way, but I have only once refused to check a movie or book out to a child (and that was because his mother gave us specific instructions NOT to allow said child to check out anything YA or above, or above PG13). If a parent complains, which they have, we point out that it is that parents responsibility to pay attention to what their child is reading/watching, not ours.
We have had 3 occassions, in the 12 years I've been at the library, where I have had a request to have a book removed from our shelves. In one case we actually did remove the book. But it wasn't because of the book's content. It was just a REALLY badly written book (it was very old, so we had precident...it was past "weeding" age.) On another occassion, a book by a Newbery winner (and writer of other challenged books) that was on our paperback giveaway shelf was the target. Not only did we not pull it, but I bought a hardcover copy for the library. It is a very good book. The other complaint involved a "coffee table" art book. There were (GASP!) nude paintings in it. Classical paintings. Not "trashy" stuff. I won't even go there.
Besides the usual victims (Harry Potter, Twilight), you'd be amazed at some of the things people have pulled from the shelves! Gone With the Wind; The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn; James and the Giant Peach; The Bible... The list is HUGE! If you'd like to see more, you can find a long list here. This isn't nearly all of them, but it's a good representation.
Take time to look at the list, then take the time to make a statement in favor of Intellectual Freedom. Read one (or more) of the listed books. Then ask yourself why someone else should have a right to say what you and your family should read.
For more information on Banned Books Week activities, visit http://bannedbooksweek.org/.
Now, tell me what you think. Should libraries (and schools) be allowed to ban books from their shelves? Why or why not?
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