ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (March 21, 2023) — Ask any librarian about the topic of “book banning” and you will get a reaction. Within minutes, you’ll hear a passionate response about how their purpose is to “find and provide resources that our patrons seek, without judgment.” Librarians have been doing this work for centuries, but many libraries across the country are now facing threats, unfair criticism, and lawsuits for enacting the basic tenets of the profession.
The Illinois Secretary of State, who also serves as the State Librarian, has recently introduced a bill that would require all public libraries to have a policy or pronouncement that aligns with the American Library Association’s Freedom to Read statement, essentially saying that “materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.” If passed, libraries without the appropriate anti-book banning verbiage would not receive their state funding. Librarians, Library Trustees, and every citizen of the United States should find it easy to support this legislation that rejects censorship. A recent survey even showed that 71% of voters oppose efforts to have books removed from their local public libraries, and 61% oppose removing books from school libraries. (Source: Hart Research Associates and North Star Opinion Research, available at tinyurl.com/2p8trywd).
It worries us to see that Iowa is working on legislation to do the exact opposite of denouncing book banning. The proposed Iowa legislation would take away local control of school library collections and specifies that a book banned in any school in Iowa would be added to a statewide list of banned books, and that students in any school in Iowa would then not be allowed to check out that book without written parental consent. Librarians understand that each community is different, and as a basic tenet of our profession, we strive to ensure that our collections reflect the public and community we serve. A second, even more chilling bill introduced last year, sought to enact criminal penalties, up to and including jail time, for any person affiliated with a public school or public library who offers material deemed "obscene or harmful to minors," and allow for civil action against those institutions. Luckily, this bill did not move forward. It is worth noting that absolutely no book challenged in any state so far has passed the "Miller Test," the primary legal test for determining obscene material. (US Supreme Court, Miller v California, 1973.) Among the Miller Test's three provisions, challenged works must lack "political, artistic, scientific, or literary value." The proposed legislation is meant to intimidate librarians and introduce self-censorship of library collections of anything deemed controversial by a vocal minority. This oppressive legislation makes it even more critical that a traditionally quiet profession speak up.
Libraries do not “push” agendas. We are simply a clearinghouse of information. Through our collection development practices, and by studying the communities we serve, librarians curate print and digital collections that are most wanted/needed by their patrons. Two of the essential “laws” of librarianship are “Every person his or her book, and every book its reader.” In other words, it is the task of librarians to select materials that fit a wide variety of needs. We respect that everyone has different tastes, even if they don’t match ours, and refrain from judging. Whether or not we agree with what is contained in a piece of sought out information, we help all patrons with the same degree of professionalism and try to ensure that we have the materials to help them. Isn’t it great to know that there is a place where you can go for that kind of service?Whether a book appeals to a large majority or a small minority, it has a place in a public library. Book bans take away that choice and the ability of a library to respond to the needs of everyone in their community. The choice of what to read should be up to you. A library’s job is to ensure that you have choices.
We take your freedom to read, listen, and view seriously, and will continue to advocate for this bedrock principle of a democratic society.
Jillian Aschliman, Bettendorf Public Library Director
Michelle Bailey, Western District Library Director
Lill Batson, Viola Public Library District Director
Luke Beatty, St. Ambrose University Library Director
Victoria Blackmer, Robert R Jones Public Library Director
Jeff Collins, Davenport Public Library Director
Carolyn Coulter, PrairieCat Director
Claire Crawford, Geneseo Public Library Director
Angela Campbell, Rock Island Public Library Director
Amy Fry, Silvis Public Library Director
April Hoste, Colona Public Library Director
Tricia Kane, Scott County Library System Director
Bryon Lear, Moline Public Library Director
Karen Lonergan, Cordova District Library Director
Laura Long, East Moline Public Library Director
Debra Lowman, MLIS, Librarian
Janette McMahon, DeWitt Community Library Director
Susan Mesecher, Clinton (IA) Public Library Director
Teri Schwenneker, River Valley District Library Director
Michele Thurston, Annawan Alba Township Library Director
Alaina Tuttle, Andalusia Township Library Director
Cathy Zimmerman, Executive Director, Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services
