Two Book Challenges at ImagineIF Libraries
New book challenges considered by library trustees
ImagineIf Library trustees are reviewing one book challenges at their board meeting this Thursday, and another book challenge in October. The meeting this week takes place at 9am on Thursday, September 22 at the community room at the Kalispell branch, 247 1st Ave East. If you can attend the meeting, please make a statement in favor of the First Amendment and the freedom to access information (see talking points below). If you can’t attend, please send your comments to librarytrustees@imagineiflibraries.org by 2 pm on Wednesday, September 21.
The books
Separate individuals are bringing book challenges on two completely different books. The first is Not My Idea: A Book About Whiteness by Anastasia Higginbotham (click here to see the book challenge form). This book was written by a family with people from their school to help explain problems around racism that children see in the news on a regular basis.
The person asking for the book to be removed claims the book is “prejudiced and antagonistic towards people of different ethnicities.” The library staff has reviewed the book and recommends keeping it in the collection, stating that “this and all other titles are protected by the policy’s statements on Censorship and Selection, which states that the library’s collections should represent the needs and interests of a diverse population, and therefore may contain materials that individuals may find unacceptable or disturbing.” You can read the full summary here.
The second book is Why Children Matter by Douglas Wilson (click here to see the challenge form). This is a Christian parenting book by a pastor in Idaho who has been appearing in the news due to accusations of covering up child abuse and sexual abuse. Please note that this article describing the incidents include some very disturbing information.
The book challenge requests the removal of the book because it is “poorly written” and the author has “enabled or excused child exploitation.” Staff will review this book and offer a recommendation for the October library board meeting.
Talking points
All libraries have books on diverse topics. Books should not be removed or banned because a resident doesn’t like or agree with a book topic. That’s definitely censorship, and we know that censorship is a dangerous violation of freedom of speech.
If parents are concerned about certain titles or topics, they are responsible for helping their children select books. Library staff members are always ready to help patrons find suitable books. As the library policies state, “ImagineIF Libraries does not act In Loco Parentis, and as such, responsibility for materials selected and read by children and adolescents rests with their parent or legal guardians.”
Parents have different ideas about how to discuss difficult topics like death, divorce, and racism. It’s no surprise that a library would have a diverse collection of books on all topics. One parent should not have the right to prevent other families from accessing information.
Attend the meeting or send an email
If you can give an in-person comment at Thursday’s meeting, please do that. We know that personal statements are very powerful. If you can’t attend, please send an email to librarytrustees@imagineiflibraries.org by 1 pm on Wednesday, September 21. That will allow library staff to include your comments in the meeting materials.
Questions?
You can always reach out to info@loveliveshereflathead.org. We’re happy to help you get more information!