the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, recent book additions to the Ridgewood Public Library have raised more than a few eyebrows. What’s seems to missing is a robust public debate over what is appropriate and to whom.
This coupled with the promotion of Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH), Drag Queen Storytime, Drag Story Time, and Drag Story Hour which are children’s events first started in 2015 by author and activist Michelle Tea in San Francisco with the goals of promoting reading and diversity. The events, are usually geared for children aged 3–11, are hosted by drag queens who read children’s books, and engage in other learning activities in public libraries. Some see the concept as unconventional since libraries are usually more reserved and the queens usually host nightlife events rather than leading sing-alongs. Others have raised concerns of pedophilia and child grooming.
Mean while we have heard of other libraries banning books like “Catcher in the Rye’ by J. D. Salinger, ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’ and the ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’ by Mark Twain, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee, and the ever controversial ‘Atlas Shrugged’ by Ayn Rand. Yet no talk of banning Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler or The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx.
Clearly if a book like Lolita a 1955 novel written by Russian-American novelist Vladimir Nabokov. The novel is notable for its controversial subject: the protagonist and unreliable narrator, a middle-aged literature professor under the pseudonym Humbert Humbert, is obsessed with a 12-year-old girl, Dolores Haze, whom he kidnaps and sexually abuses after becoming her stepfather. “Lolita”, the Spanish nickname for Dolores, is what he calls her privately. The novel was originally written in English and first published in Paris in 1955 by Olympia Press.
But somehow we doubt that if that book came out today if would be well received and heavily promoted by a public library.
Determining what makes a book inappropriate for a public library can be a complex and subjective matter. Public libraries often strive to provide a diverse range of materials that cater to the needs and interests of their communities while respecting the principles of intellectual freedom and freedom of expression. However, there are some general criteria that can help assess whether a book may be considered inappropriate for a public library:
- Explicit sexual content: Books that contain graphic or explicit descriptions of sexual acts may be considered inappropriate for a public library, especially if they are not age-appropriate for the intended audience or if they lack literary, educational, or artistic merit.
- Excessive violence or gore: Books that excessively depict violence, brutality, or gore, particularly if they glorify or gratuitously depict harm, may be deemed inappropriate for a public library, especially if they are not suitable for the library’s intended audience.
- Hate speech or discriminatory content: Books that promote or endorse hate speech, discrimination, or stereotypes based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics may be considered inappropriate for a public library, as they can perpetuate harmful beliefs and attitudes.
- Obscene or pornographic material: Books that primarily focus on explicit sexual content or contain pornography that lacks literary, educational, or artistic value are generally deemed inappropriate for public libraries.
- Inaccurate or misleading information: Books that disseminate information that is intentionally false, misleading, or promotes dangerous practices may be considered inappropriate for a public library, especially if they can harm public health, safety, or well-being.
- Age-inappropriate content: Books that contain material that is deemed too mature, explicit, or disturbing for the library’s intended audience, particularly if it is not properly labeled or shelved in sections designated for specific age groups, may be considered inappropriate.
It’s important to note that public libraries often have selection policies and committees responsible for evaluating and curating their collections. These policies and committees may vary from library to library, taking into account community standards, diversity, and the library’s mission. Additionally, what one person may find inappropriate, another person may find valuable or important, highlighting the importance of allowing for a wide range of perspectives and respecting intellectual freedom within the bounds of legal and ethical guidelines.
The King of Con by Thomas Giacomaro and Natasha Stoynoff https://theridgewoodblog.net/king-of-con-by-thomas-giacomaro-and-natasha-stoynoff/
We should err on the side of openness. Kids are stronger than we generally think, and we want them to grow into adults who can handle the world as it is.
Good point. The word is “resilience” — and resilience is every kid’s birthright. Kids are much, much more resilient than we assume, I agree. But what about Trojan Horses? Stealthy agendas are also part of the world-as-it-is. But that’s a type of thinking that requires some experience and discrimination, qualities that kids may not have.
Charles, you sound like a groomer to me….