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Over 100 gathered to participate in the Civility Café hosted by the Friends of the Library at the Columbia County Fairgrounds Pavilion. Positive steps were taken to prioritize what and how specific reading material will be handled in the public library.
DAYTON–The Friends of the Library hosted a Community Civility Café with grant funding from the INATAI Foundation, at the Fairgrounds Pavilion March 7. Some 100 attendees came to listen, discuss, and break bread. Sandwiches, cookies, and beverages were offered while engaging in the question of "Which books should be available in our school and public libraries?"
As the community has experienced, differing positions have caused divisions in this community and many communities around the nation. Last year, The Walla Walla Civility Project held a similar event there to allow open discussion about the issue of books. The same group moderated the Dayton event.
The format is modeled on The World Café to have conversations that grow personal and community civility. The discussions began in small groups of about five with a moderator. After introductions were made, the questions were posed for tables to discuss with the goal of hearing new ideas on the subject. Each table was given a poster paper to write key words or points made during the discussion. After the first question was discussed, the attendees were asked to move to a different table where two additional questions were posed. Following that, each table was given the chance to share something they learned with the room.
The question at the first table was, why does it matter or not matter to you which books are on the shelves in schools or public libraries? Some points made were that it is not a question about all books, but about books for minors. This has been topic of debate in Columbia County for 18 months since objections emerged over content of books provided for minors at the Dayton Memorial Library.
Further discussion indicated overwhelmingly, most people were concerned about content for kids, but did not want to see the library closed. They were in favor of moving questionable books to a location away from young kids. Some emphasized the importance of books being representational of all kids and by offering information that they may not get another way. Others pointed out that kids have access to the internet and can get information there and that books are no worse. However, the school and public libraries are a public asset funded by taxpayers where there is no opting out.
Some of the questions proposed and discussed brought a consensus of, "protecting kids," "intellectual freedom," "content appropriateness," "sensible information," "respecting free speech," "community morality," and "responsible party."
The poster papers contained notes like knowledge is power, book placement, protect children's innocence, no banning, just move books, parents' responsibility, acceptance and diversity, freedom to choose, parents' section, censorship, age appropriate, boundaries, community standards, library accountability, tax funded, reliable information, and sensible content.
Most attendees reflected fondly of their experiences at the library during their youth and now as adults, the inspiration, education, and adventure found among the books.
However, while participants shared similar thoughts of their library experiences, speaking on topics most important of today through the Civility Café format, the overall discussion was missing the topic of ways to move forward with solutions.
