I have been a voracious reader since childhood and have always loved the connection with my community through my library. Libraries have evolved into more that shelving space for books that I couldn’t afford to buy. They are now free resource centers and support systems for the public. As libraries provide more community resources, they have increasingly become political battlegrounds.
Sadly, the Hartland Cromaine Public Library is experiencing this dreaded fate. Some Library board members are pushing their ideology and censorship to deprive children of choices. If the board approves any level of censorship, they are creating a slippery slope. Perhaps the next board president may find the Bible offensive, and I find some words in the dictionary inappropriate. Who would have thought that after almost a hundred years of existence, Cromaine Library would have extremists manipulating decisions.
It is not constructive for a community when libraries become a theater for political battles rather than a place for learning and entertainment. Banning or censoring books that deal with race, gender or history that one finds disagreeable is divisive and nurtures hate and bullying. It marginalizes and bans individuals that belong to those communities and goes against all that libraries strive to be. Censorship criminalizes both the authors and youth that identify with these communities, and insinuates that others should ostracize those groups.
Parents have a role in what their children read, but not a role in someone else’s choices for their child. It is absurd to think that librarians intentionally create collections that are harmful or offensive to their community. These educated professionals select books to reflect their community regardless of how some residents may find it offensive or unacceptable.
It is important that all residents see themselves represented in their libraries so they can become productive contributors to our community. I urge the Cromaine Public Library Board to vote against any form of censorship.
Evelyn Gallegos
Brighton
