Dozens attend library meeting to voice opinion about content

DAYTON–There was standing room only for the hybrid monthly Library Board of Trustees meeting on September 19 which coincided with Banned Book Week. Members of the community came to listen in or give comment on books that have come into question during the August Board meeting.

Prior to hearing public comment, Library Director Todd Vandenbark provided updates on the library, a financial report and presented to the Board a revised strategic plan for review.

He also reviewed the library policy and procedures for reconsideration of materials, adding that forms are available for patrons to complete. The policy states that to challenge materials, the request has to indicate how the content is not in conformity with the Collection Development Policy (which is available upon request.)

Once the form is submitted, the director will pull the book from the collection to read in entirety after which a written response will be given within two months.

If the patron is not satisfied, they can appeal to the Board through a written request to the Board Chair. Then they are invited to voice their appeal at the next regular Board meeting where public comment on the matter can also be heard.

The Board then reviews the appeal based on whether the director's decision followed the library collection policy, and was made with adequate consideration of the circumstances and on reasonable grounds. Once a decision is made on an item, no further consideration or action can be taken on the same title in the future by the Board.

A guest speaker, Washington State Librarian Sara Jones, MLS, applauded the community's interest in the library, commended the Board and staff for their work, and acknowledged that it was Banned Book Week.

"I believe the best approach is to have a community library that uses professional skills, awareness of community demographics, training and tools to select materials," Jones said. "Let parents and borrowers make decisions for themselves and their own use, and encourage civil and respectful venues to discuss challenging topics and concerns. I would really just emphasize us all thinking about a place where decisions are made in our own best interest and for our own children, but are not made for everyone else's best interest and everyone else's children."

All but one of the books of concern that have been cited are for early readers through adolescents on the subjects of homosexuality, gender and race, specifically about the content that is presented. The exception is the book "Gender Queer." which is the top banned book, according to the American Library Association. The association states on its website that it opposes "all attempts to restrict access to library services, materials, and facilities based on the age of library users."

During the public comment period, the first commenter questioned whether the book "Gender Queer," an adult graphic novel which is currently featured on the Banned Book Display, belongs in the library.

The individual read select offending portions of the book and stated that it is not that the book is about gender or homosexuality but rather that the content is graphic and sexually explicit.

The other point made was the library carries nine of the ten most challenged books where other rural libraries in southeastern Washington do not have a single one on their shelves. Eight of those are in the children's library. Melissa Bryan then read sexually explicit portions of the book "What's the T" by Juno Dawson, which was featured on display in the children's library.

Pastor Fred Giacci said some of the library materials in question should be taught with the guidance of parents and stated emphatically, "We all know it's not right!" Many in the audience yelled out, "No, we don't agree!"

Erica Greenup explained that kids may be uncomfortable talking with their parents about the subjects, and that teens should be able to access the information to explore ideas about sexuality.

Theresa Eier added that society has a narrow view on sexuality and kids sometimes feel isolated and alone, which can increase mental health issues. She conceded that she can support separating materials from the children's library.

Amy Rosenberg, who holds a Masters degree in Library Science, agreed for the separation of the books and offered similar input, but emphasized that parents should be able to decide for their kids and should be responsible for monitoring what they are reading.

Marcene Hendrickson compared the library collection to pool safety in that there should be safeguards in place to protect kids.

Tony Sykes commented that there is some expectation over what materials the library should and should not have and gave the example of how books on mass murder would not be acceptable and spoke in favor of moving the books.

Janice Huwe summed it up: "We all love kids. The books need to be moved."

Samuel Just closed the meeting by echoing Huwe's statement. "There is a theme that I've heard going on tonight," he said. "That theme on both side is we don't really want these books in the children's section. The other theme that I hear is a parent's job is incredibly tough...but what's the solution? To make things easier for kids to access material that parents would not want them to be exposed to? Or to have library classes on parenting to discuss how to talk to your children about these issues? So, I put it to the Board: Are you making policy that is hindering parents to do their job or are you passing policy to make their job easier? To give them skills that obviously not all parents have."