Letter to Editor about removing Books from the Library System

Dear Editor,

At the last Botetourt County Board of Supervisor’s meeting, there was a period of discussion regarding public library content. One commentator suggested the reconsideration committee include “…an equal number of professing Christians to give a true voice…” in regards to selecting books for the Botetourt County libraries. I appreciate her call for us to serve our county, and as a convinced Christian (rather than simply a professing one), I will add my voice.
Our public libraries are sanctuaries of learning, exploration, and safety. If a citizen (of any age) has a question, a passion, or a curiosity on any subject, our libraries, and our librarians, exist to offer resources, references and services. What I may need from my library may be vastly different from what my neighbor is in need of at any given time. Just as I have no desire for my Botetourt neighbor to prevent me from accessing resources and information I may locate at my nearest library, neither should I decide what is and is not helpful for my neighbor to access.
At the last BoS meeting, public comment was taken regarding the removal of certain books deemed to contain “confusing” and “sexually indoctrinating” material for children. This material may be of concern to some individuals, and they may certainly choose to protect their children from such information. After thirty-one years as a public school teacher, I completely applaud parents who are fully present and involved in their children’s growth and development and exploration. A parent SHOULD be aware of what their child is exposed to and engage in thoughtful and meaningful conversations about difficult topics when their child is ready. When THEIR child is ready. There are different needs for different families at different times. “Confusing” and “sexually indoctrinating” are both subjective adjectives – in other words, a universal definition cannot be pinned down to these words. Rather, they are defined based on a person’s experiences and beliefs.
It is my belief that Botetourt Library Director Julie Phillips clearly and succinctly explained the protocols that are in place to address all parental concerns: in short, children under 13 are not allowed in libraries without a parent chaperone, so a parent AT ANY TIME can maintain control of what THEIR child is reading and/or checking out. To go even further, parents maintain full control of a child’s library account until the child turns 18. Any parent, at any time, can exercise their appropriate right to monitor and control their child’s access to any resource in the public library. With this policy in place, my child, and my family, can access what we need while your child, and your family, can access what they need. I am deeply saddened that simply the presence of these books on a shelf seem to present a clear and present danger. Many, many children walk by cigarette displays at Walmart, or beer and wine shelves in Kroger. I haven’t seen too many letters proposing those be removed.
I urge the board to embrace the common sense and balanced policy that is already in place in our Botetourt libraries. I wouldn’t expect my neighbor to have the milk I use removed from my refrigerator based on my neighbor’s opinion of what is good and healthy. Please don’t let that attitude extend to our books. We have an excellent system in place, we have excellent libraries, and we have amazing librarians. Let us celebrate the quality resources and professionals we have in place in our libraries, rather than weaken this wonderful system.

Heather Simmons
Botetourt Resident