by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
“Open to all.”
Those three words are written in stone – literally – above the front door at the Main Library. While the statement primarily refers to the public library being available to all the people, it also applies to the books and other materials that are available to the public.
This is “Banned Books Week” at Jacksonville Public Libraries, an annual observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) but a more correct title would be “Most-challenged Books Week,” since the act of banning books from the shelves of public libraries would violate one of the most basic American ideals.
“Freedom to read and that authors have the right to write what they wish are two things protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution,” commented Keli Likins, senior librarian in the Teen Services Department at the Main Library. “The idea behind ‘Banned Books Week’ is to raise awareness that people have the right to read what they wish.”
While the ALA received 420 reports on efforts to banish materials from library shelves nationwide, in Jacksonville it’s not a common event, according to Stacie Bucher, marketing and communications manager for Jacksonville Public Libraries (JPL).
“We have a form customers can fill out and submit if they feel a book or other library material should be challenged, but in 2007 we received only five completed forms,” said Bucher. “If a book is challenged, we’ll move it to another section of the library and we tell parents if they are uncomfortable with a book their child selects, a librarian will be glad to help select another title. I can tell you that in the last 10 years, we have not withdrawn a book based solely on a customer complaint.”
In fact, Bucher said, she can recall only three items that were removed from JPL’s inventory in that period of time. One was a DVD that was donated and after viewing it, customers complained it was no more than an advertisement for a local business. Bucher said after it was reviewed by librarians who agreed with that assessment, it was removed from the shelf. Another case involved a reference book that was so out of date, the information it offered was essentially without value. It too was removed from the collection.
“The other case was a book titled ‘How to Build Your Own Submachine Gun’,” said Bucher. “We removed it because it’s illegal in Florida to build your own gun.”
Likins said it’s important to realize that, “Librarians are not the book police. We advise parents to know what their children are reading and checking out from the library. Parents have the responsibility to ensure titles are appropriate for the child’s age and the family’s values.”
Bucher pointed out while anyone can borrow any book from JPL, DVDs are loaned under different rules. If desired, parents can request a change in their child’s library card that would prohibit the child from checking out an R-rated DVD for example.
“That’s because there is an accepted rating system for films. If a child couldn’t see a movie in a theatre without an accompanying adult, we can make sure the child can’t borrow the same film on DVD from the library,” said Bucher.
Some of the books that make the ALA’s “Most-challenged List” every year are classics of literature that for most people were required reading in middle and high school. Bucher used Mark Twain’s “Huckleberry Finn” as an example.
“The book provides a way to teach children about the history of racism in this country. Books especially can provide the opportunity to make children think about critical topics and create an opportunity for families to talk to each other,” she said.
According to the ALA, the most-challenged book of the 21st century isn’t a single title, its the entire series of “Harry Potter” books by J. K. Rowling. Its elements of fantasy apparently disturb a large number of people who have objected to the subject matter, said Bucher, who pointed out despite the challenges the series has had a positive impact.
“Harry Potter has made thousands of young people read for enjoyment and helps them develop a lifelong habit for reading. It’s in the fantasy genre so it’s basically a fairy tale. Parents have to teach their children the difference between fantasy and reality, especially today with the influences of television and the Internet.”
While the ALA designates one week a year for “banned” books, it’s a year-round effort at the Main Library’s Teen Department. Likins said a poster listing the most commonly challenged titles is on display year-round and it actually helps circulation.
“If you tell a teenager a book is ‘banned,’ in many cases they will want to read it just to see what it’s about. It’s human nature,” she said.
The 10 Most Challenged Books of 2007
1. “And Tango Makes Three” by Justin Richardson/Peter Parnell.
Reasons: anti-ethnic, sexism, homosexuality, antifamily, religious viewpoint, unsuited to age group.
2. “The Chocolate War,” by Robert Cormier.
Reasons: sexually explicit, offensive language, violence.
3. “Olive’s Ocean,” by Kevin Henkes.
Reasons: sexually explicit, offensive language.
4. “The Golden Compass,” by Philip Pullman.
Reasons: religious viewpoint.
5. “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” by Mark Twain.
Reasons: racism.
6. “The Color Purple,” by Alice Walker.
Reasons: homosexuality, sexually explicit, offensive language.
7. “TTYL,” by Lauren Myracle.
Reasons: sexually explicit, offensive language, unsuited to age group.
8. “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” by Maya Angelou.
Reasons: sexually explicit.
9. “It’s Perfectly Normal,” by Robie Harris.
Reasons: sex education, sexually explicit.
10. “The Perks of Being A Wallflower,” by Stephen Chbosky.
Reasons: homosexuality, sexually explicit, offensive language, unsuited to age group.
Off the list for 2007 were two books by author Toni Morrison, “The Bluest Eye” and “Beloved,” both challenged for sexual content and offensive language.
Source: American Library Associations Office for Intellectual Freedom.
356-2466