The workers was for some reason surprised when she was fired.
Last night, an evenly divided audience debated the library’s censorship policy. In reality, such a split is a better than expected result for Nicholasville, and a sign that respect for the Constitution and the rights of the individual to decide which thoughts have merit.
…It was not business as usual during the public comment interval of the library board’s November meeting. A Clark County librarian cried when Stout spoke. Darryl Diddle, a Wilmore minister, presented a petition signed by 950 asking that three more of the library’s works be removed. And DeWayne Brewer, Brookside Baptist’s pastor, asking for a little common sense, warned that if the Bible ever went into graphic novel form the banning committee would have something to really fret about then.
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This was the first chance for the public to address the issue in front of the board. Each speaker was to get 2 minutes; public comment lasted for an hour.
Board chairwoman Billie Goodwill explained the board’s current position, assuring the crowd that “legal standards are the yardsticks” and that the board has not exceeded Kentucky revised statutes. She explained that Black Dossier came with laurels and awards and that “it met our criteria for purchase.”
Speakers included area librarians, preachers, a columnist for the Jessamine Journal, parents who wanted the library to act in their stead and parents who didn’t.
A few speakers stuck to personal stories. Christine Powell told how she was an early reader, ahead of her class, how she almost quit reading because libraries wouldn’t allow her to read above her grade, and how that worked to punish her and “limit my growth.”
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No action was taken by the board. When asked by some in attendance when action would be taken, Goodwill said that board agendas are posted online. The board may decide to change the current policy or leave it as is.
Cook said later that the meeting was “like we were pushing on a rope. We’re going to leave it with them. They are a good group. We need to let them do their work. I do believe that sincerely.”
Boisvert said she appreciated everybody showing up “and telling us how they feel.” She repeated the “everybody” part, then added: “That’s how people feel, and that was good they got to say it.”
The headscratcher here is that historically it has been librarians who fight against banning and censoring books. I guess that it is just another sign of how deep within the bible belt we live: even our librarians are compromised. I fear for the ability of the students in this state to educate themselves, which is important because our public schools aren’t doing a good enough job of it. Public libraries must be open, free, and uncensored.