Not every book is right for every person

Knowledge is power. For that reason, books can be considered dangerous. The ideas contained in their pages might inspire a revolution or bad behavior. As a result, books are sometimes burned in dramatic acts of censorship. The Nazis burned thousands of books that they didn't like, including works by such famous authors a Thomas Mann and H.G. Wells. More recently, books, including J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, were burned by some Christian church groups in the US, who believed the stories promoted witchcraft. And it's not always books that face the flames. In 1948, children, overseen by priests, burned comics in New York state. Beatles records were thrown onto fires in the 1960's, after singer John Lennon described his band as more popular that Jesus. In Ray Bradbury's futuristic novel Fahrenheit 451, all books are burned to prevent the population from learning new ideas.

In the library we often have patrons that challenge books. "How can you have such trash in your collection!" or "I don't think that this book is appropriate for children/teens. Remove it at once!" are some of the things that we have heard over the years. One patron went so far as to suggest that we mark all of the books that used the name of God, so she wouldn't have to check out anything inappropriate. Some go a step further and black out all the "bad" words for us, so the next person won't be able to read them.

In a library setting we strive to have a variety of books and ideas available to all patrons. Librarians cannot and should not be determining what is appropriate for the people of our community to read. When it comes to children we feel it is best to let those who know them best, their parents, determine what materials are appropriate. When selection of materials is made we strive to have a well rounded collection that will serve the needs of our community. If you have a comment or a concern you may bring it to our attention, however, please remember that we are not here to censure, but to make available ideas and knowledge.

Carol Brey-Casiano, Past Amerian Libraries Association President said: "Not every book is right for every person. But providing a wide range of reading choices is vital for learning, exploration and imagination. The abilities of reading, speaking, thinking and expression are core American values."

The Brigham City library is "Making Life Better" for it's patrons and the community by supplying the means to learn, explore, understand and create ideas. Those ideas, no matter how they vary from your perspective and values are vital to the freedom of expression that we all demand as citizens of this great nation.

I feel so strongly about this that I have the following printed on my business cards: Reading is Powerful; not Reading is dangerous." So my suggestion to our citizens is to read and read and read some more, read from every side of an issue not just your own, form new ideas and opinions and express them to others. This ability is what makes us great. Something to ponder on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 2001. When a people is forced by proproganda to believe in something that causes hatred of another, it takes away their freedom and as we saw with such tragic results on September 11th, 2001, ignorance and fear prevail, causing human suffering. The more you read, the more you know and the more you know the more powerful you will be. Reading is power, give it to your child.

Michele, Children's Librarian