Is someone else trying to censor what YOUR kids can read?
According to an August 31 article by Karri Peifer in Axios Richmond, Book banning efforts have doubled in Virginia so far this year. One public library had its budget reduced by 75% by the Warren County board of supervisors until challenged books – deemed "obscene" and/or because they treat LGBTQ+ themes and people with respect – were segregated.
As someone whose parents were frequent and conscientious readers who regularly took us kids to the public library, I think that Brian Lyman in the October 2 Virginia Mercury has the right idea for opposing the insidious dangers represented by book banning:
“You don't want your kids exposed to sexual themes? May I suggest going to the library with them?"
An antidote to your kids’ picking up something you deem "inappropriate" from your local public library is to talk with the children's librarian when you take your kids to the library. Tell the librarian about your kids, their likes and dislikes, how they doing with reading, and what kinds of afterschool activities are popular. You’ll be amazed at the resources that are on the library shelves just waiting for your kids to borrow them.
If your library is anything like mine (Alexandria Public Library here in Virginia) you'll get a ton of recommendations. You and your kid will walk out with a stack of fun, interesting, and thought-provoking books.
Anyone can take advantage of this type of library service, even the parents who want to censor what your kids can read.
Copyright © 2023 by Dennis D. McDonald