To Ban or Not to Ban...that should never be a question!

Fifty Shades of Grey.  Yes, I’ve read the series.  Was it an award winning series…not quite, unless fan awards count!  Was it a fictitious series that has the blood of hundreds boiling worldwide…you bet.  The blood of some may be boiling due to the erotic themes and situations.  However, the blood of others is boiling because this book is available to the public, for free! 

Working at the Chicago Heights Public Library, I’ve had quite a few inquires about the book.  Some come in wondering what the big deal is about the books.  Others come in wondering where they can get a copy to read.  That’s what I’m here for.  To supply the public with books that they want, and with over 1300 holds on the book in our system alone, I think this is what the public wants. I am not here to judge or to decide what adults can and cannot read.

When I read that the books were banned at public libraries in Florida, Georgia, and Wisconsin, I must admit, I was outraged and intrigued. Until I read that, I had no desire to read these books. Even after my Entertainment Weekly teased me with an interview from the author more than two months ago, I had no desire to read these books. Only after they were banned and pulled from the public, did I have a desire to read these books. I wanted to read them to have my own opinion. I did not want to sit by and listen to what others said about these books. If I did that, I don't know that I would have ever picked up a book, because there's always at least one person who doesn't care for something in a book.

I do not think that public libraries have the right to ban books. We are a public library, we represent every citizen within our district. We do not just represent those who complain the loudest. If we were to pull every book that someone complained about, we wouldn't have more than a few books left on our shelves.  Even the Bible has been challenged for being  "lewd, indecent, offensive, violent, and dangerous to women and children" (courtesy of ALA's website!).  Now, my argument is not that I think we should challenge/ban the Bible (and I apologize if that's what you're picking up from this article).  My argument is that, I think we should all be able to make our own literary decisions.  I would like to be able to walk into my library and be able to get a copy of a book that I want to read. If there's a book that I do not want to read, then I won't read it. I don't think that others should not be able to read it either.  They should have the same choices and opportunities that I have. 

I know that some will argue, "What about the children?"  Here's my response to that.  I have a 9-year-old son and a 5-month-old son.  The 5-month-old can't read, yet, so we'll focus on my 9-year-old.  I let him pick his own books. If he picks a book that I don't think is appropriate for him, I tell him to get another book. I do that because until he reaches a certain age or maturity level, I am his parent. The librarians are not his parents. It is not up to us to tell your child what books are appropriate for him or her. That falls to you. I parent my child and make sure that the books he is reading and checking out are appropriate for him.  When he gets older, and is able to make his own decisions, then I will talk to him about topics that he'll have questions about. I'll discuss tough subjects that I may not want to discuss with him. The reason, again, is because I'm the parent.  I would rather him know the correct facts instead of "learning" them on the playgrounds. 

So in closing, I don't think public libraries should ban books. Some of you may agree and some of you may disagree.  But that's our right, to agree to disagree and to allow each person to have their own opinions. Not to bully and dictate what others can read.