I've been a librarian in both a school and a public library, so I've thought about censorship quite a bit. In fact, I learned in graduate school how every library needs to have a selection policy and a formal procedure in place in case of book challenges. It always makes me cringe when a "Christian" or "conservative" group gets (negative) media attention for attempting to have books removed from library shelves. I'm all for parents having a say in what their children read. I spoke up a few years ago when my sister's school was requiring students to read a book I believed was inappropriate for the grade. But that doesn't mean it shouldn't be on library shelves for older students -- or students whose parents disagree with me -- to read.
Thankfully, Shannon Hale, an author whose work I love, has expressed an opinion I can point to and say, "I agree with her!" In case you're interested in the issue, click here for her blog post on the subject.
And, if you could care less, take this opportunity to check out Goose Girl, my favorite of her books.
This is excellent! I had big trouble with this at the Christian school where I was teaching. I tried to explain the concept of intellectual freedom to the administrators...no dice. They want to hire me as librarian when I am done staying home with Caden, (even after our "discussion", LOL) but I am not sure I want to work there. :(
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