JenniferMReads

ALT I want to thank you again for the thoughtful way in which you’ve approached this. Though I don’t share your concern with the content of these particular books, and am generally opposed to censorship of any kind, I do recognize that several of the books listed quite likely have a sociopolitical agenda. But rather than excluding some viewpoints, why don’t we include several? If you would like to recommend some books with different viewpoints than the ones listed, please do not hesitate! The Library has a book request sheet at the circulation desk that many patrons make use of. We do look forward to hearing from you and any other concerned taxpayers at the September board meeting.

ALT Sex: the all you need to know sexuality guide to get you through your teens and twenties: this book for young adults is fantastic! It’s full of facts and drawings on reproduction, contraception, and anatomy - as well as information on celibacy, abusive relationships, how pornography is harmful to everyone, boundaries, STDs, the sexualization of young people, victim shaming, adoption and abortion, and substance abuse. Really this book is a treasure. It has circulated 3 times in our library.

ALT Mister seahorse: this is a board book by Eric Carle, which relays the biological fact that male seahorses carry the eggs in their pouches and then release their offspring into the water. I would respectfully advise anyone who takes issue with male seahorses giving birth to take the issue up with their creator of choice. The intended audience for this book is pre-readers. Parents have the right to select this book to read to their child or not. This book has circulated 18 times in our library.

ALT House of hades: I admit I did not read this 600-page YA tome about Greek and Roman gods but I did read a synopsis and several reviews. This book has been banned or challenged several times due to its inclusion of a homosexual character. The argument made by conservative parents has been that homosexuality is a sin according to Christian theology, and this character encourages kids to be gay. I have found no evidence to support this claim. And though I am sympathetic to and respectful of the religious beliefs of others, I would like to make three observations: many Christians disagree with the assertion that homosexuality is a sin, not everyone in our community is a Christian, and those who are have the freedom to not read books that romanticize pagan gods. This book has circulated 31 times in our library.