Support School Libraries, Read More Books
To the editor:
The recent push by some parents or politicians across our country to remove (essentially ban) books from school library shelves has been defended by those who are doing so for of the following reasons:
• a fear that children will be exposed to different family or faith ideologies
• a self-appointed morality and a vocal distrust in the expertise of library science educators to determine what children should or should not be reading
• a genuine concern that what may currently be found in their school library or on order for their school library is not age appropriate for its placement.
I can’t defend the first reason, as we live in a world, a country, a state, a county and city of multiple ethnic backgrounds, various family dynamics, and different religions (or non-religions). I believe our diversity is what makes us stronger. Just because we read, or our children read, about another household’s definition of family, or another culture’s origin story, does not mean that we are automatically offended by or converted to that other narrative. Indeed, variety is not only the spice of life it also offers us a richer experience and appreciation about those around us and those who live far away. And it makes for a healthier diet—of what we consume in both food and in knowledge.
As for the second rationale… experts are not, by definition, elitists; they are trained, experienced and wise in their subject area, and should be trusted instead of being vilified. This, in no way, undermines the parent’s right to request that his/her child not be forced to read a book that the parent has real concerns about, as there are already policies in place in our schools to accommodate this. But certainly, both teachers and parents want the best and the best learning environment for their children, and they should be able to have open discussions where neither feels intimidated or pressured.
I can support the last reason, and I agree that not only should parents be aware of what their child is reading, they should also read to or with their child on a frequent basis, and they should set a good example by reading themselves.
According to the The Economist, the Washington Post, the New York Post, and several other reliable news sources, about half American adults read at least one book last year. This means the other half did not even read a single book for the year. If we, as parents and grandparents, are to show our children and grandchildren the importance of reading, we need to lead by practice. Yes, it may be tempting to fall back on the old adage: “Do as I say, not as I do” when instructing our children, but we realize that our younger folks see that our actions speak louder than our words.
But why is literacy important? A few facts: According to UNESCO, Literacy empowers and liberates people. Beyond its importance as part of the right to education, literacy improves lives by expanding capabilities, which in turn, reduce poverty, increase participation in the labor market and have positive effects on health and sustainable development. Women empowered by literacy have a positive ripple effect on all aspects of development. They have greater life choices for themselves and an immediate impact on the health and education of their families.
And how do librarians and libraries help parents to develop a culture of reading?
Libraries are lending institutions based on a system of trust and responsibility, not a patron’s economic status.
And libraries and librarians aren’t just about borrowing books, they provide: databases and research help; free educational resources; librarian assistance, including training on what materials are age-appropriate; after school and summer programs; cultural programs; internet/computer/3-D printer/ and other technologies; as well as e-books, CDs, DVDs, magazines and newspapers.
These most recent efforts to prohibit books from being purchased or from being available in our La Grange ISD libraries should demand our attention; it affects the future of our children/ students. We can collectively agree that inappropriate age content for materials be addressed without reactively challenging complicated or illuminating stories from our libraries.
I would dare say that if vulgarity, immoral behavior, violence and spreading false information are subjects from which parents want to protect their children, then we should very seriously look at the conduct of our own former president, Donald Trump—a candidate whom many in our area are willing to support.
“You can do anything. Grab them by the _____. You can do anything.”
“It’s true you have better hair than I do. But I get more _____.”
“I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose any voters, OK?”
“Any guy can do a body slam, he’s my kind of—he’s my guy.”
“Seriously, OK. Just knock the hell—I promise you I will pay for the legal fees, I promise.”
(About the coronavirus pandemic) “It’s going to disappear. One day—it’s like a miracle— it will disappear.”
(News summit when asked if he believes his own intelligence agencies or Russia about election interference) “President Putin says it’s not Russia. I don’t see any reason why it would be.”
“If you count the legal votes, I easily win.”
Is this role-model behavior? Our children are listening and they are watching. Let’s provide them with the honesty, integrity, compassion and wisdom that come with being well cared for and well-read.
Jaci Elliott Schulenburg