Trending
You may have recently read or heard about books being banned from libraries across the United States of America. It's important to know the basic facts regarding this topic. A book ban is when a person or group requests a specific book at a specific library, such as at a school or public library, be removed altogether from that library's collection. Books can also be "challenged," resulting in the book remaining in the library's collection but moved to another section of the library.
If, for example, a book is banned or challenged at a specific library in Idaho, the outcome only applies to that specific library. It does not apply to other libraries across the country. However, bans and challenges in school districts can impact the availability of the book in that school district's libraries.
In a public library, the final decision to remove or move a book is typically made by the library director. Depending on the library's policy, it may also include a vote by their board of trustees. In a school library, the final decision can be made by the school's librarian, principal, district superintendent, or school board. The process in schools also depends on their policy. State and local elected officials can also pass legislation that impacts the availability of certain types of books in public schools.
The American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom tracked 729 challenges to library, school, and university materials and services in 2021, resulting in more than 1,597 individual book challenges or removals. Most targeted books were by or about Black or LGBTQIA+ persons.
Our country grants many different forms of freedoms to each of us, one of which is the right to choose what we want to read. This is an incredible freedom that is not guaranteed in every country. But with that freedom, we have responsibilities to ourselves and others. We must trust individuals to make their own decisions about what they read and believe. Parents have the right to guide their children's reading and education. At the same time, individuals should not be making decisions for other readers or for other parents' children. Specifically, a small group of parents should not dictate what books other people's children are allowed to read.
Books and their authors tell unique stories and give voice to the lives and experiences of people different from us. We can use our freedom to read to learn about others and put ourselves in their shoes.
As you enter our library you can see a display of books that have been frequently banned in other libraries across the country. I strongly encourage you to check out some of these books and see if what you read or heard about the book is actually true.
•••
Mark your calendars! We have events this fall at the library for all ages.
Tuesday, Oct. 18 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Microsoft Word class. Learn how to use the word processing program Microsoft Word. Registration is required. Cost: $10.
Thursday, Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Book Sale. Join the Friends of the Library to get early access on Monday, October 17th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.. The book sale is also open Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m..
Tuesday, Oct. 25 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.: iPhone class. Learn how to use your Apple iPhone. Registration is required. Cost: $10.
Saturday, Oct. 29 at 10 a.m.: Ryan the Bugman. This will cover basic entomology and anatomy, as well as a quick look at insect relatives (spiders, scorpions, etc). For all ages.
Saturday, Nov. 19 at 10 a.m.: Fall Family Film. Join us as we watch Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and make your own caramel apples and fall crafts. For all ages.
Book of the week
Dreamland by Nicholas Sparks
(New Adult Fiction: Romance)
Colby Mills once felt destined for a musical career, until tragedy grounded his aspirations. Now the head of a small family farm in North Carolina, he spontaneously takes a gig playing at a bar in St. Pete Beach, Florida, seeking a rare break from his duties at home.
But when he meets Morgan Lee, his world is turned upside-down, making him wonder if the responsibilities he has shouldered need dictate his life forever. The daughter of affluent Chicago doctors, Morgan has graduated from a prestigious college music program with the ambition to move to Nashville and become a star. Romantically and musically, she and Colby complete each other in a way that neither has ever known.
While they are falling headlong in love, Beverly is on a heart-pounding journey of another kind. Fleeing an abusive husband with her six-year-old son, she is trying to piece together a life for them in a small town far off the beaten track. With money running out and danger seemingly around every corner, she makes a desperate decision that will rewrite everything she knows to be true.
In the course of a single unforgettable week, two young people will navigate the exhilarating heights and heartbreak of first love. Hundreds of miles away, Beverly will put her love for her young son to the test. And fate will draw all three people together in a web of life-altering connections, forcing each to wonder whether the dream of a better life can ever survive the weight of the past.
Bottom line: We bought 2 copies of this book because it is in such high demand. It's only a matter of time before this book becomes a movie!
•••
Vince Giordano has been the librarian and director of the Juniata County Library since 2015.