One of the more interesting news stories that’s been popping up over the past several months — the kneejerk removal of a pair of award-winning graphic novels (Craig Thompson’s classic Blankets and Alison Bechdel’s graphic memoir Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic) from the Marshall (Mo.) Public Library — may soon be coming to an end, based on accounts late last week from the Marshall Democrat-News.
Although the ultimate fate of Blankets and Fun Home remains a mystery (nobody’s talking about it for the record yet), there is one piece of good news to report: A request by one Marshall Public Library patron to label graphic novels or sequester them away from other books — I assume based on content — was denied by the board as prejudicial.
No matter what happens, I suspect people around the world will be interested in the outcome, as David Twiddy’s Associated Press story about the Marshall Public Library has been circulated and re-circulated around the world on scores of newspaper Web sites since mid-November.
January 31st, 2007 at 11:58 am
What I hope libraries take from this cautionary tale is the idea that a written materials selection policy is a MUST for every library, whether they choose to carry graphic novels or not. Major library systems have had such policies in place for many many years. I’ve worked in two such library systems, and I’ve had to refer to the policy in dealing with challenges several times in each system. Having a selection policy that allows the library lots of leeway in acquiring materials in new formats helps to support the library when challenges come up. I have a feeling that libraries in smaller communities have never felt the need for a written materials selection policy before, and that some of them blithely assume they’ll be fine with whatever they acquire.
February 1st, 2007 at 12:40 am
I frankly don’t care what public libraries do or don’t do. I’d be just as happy if we shut them all down and refunded some tax dollars.
Children have access to plenty of reading material in school libraries. I don’t see any need to support grown adults reading habits who are perfectly capable of buying whatever they care to read. Yes, some people can’t afford all the books they want. But I can’t afford all the things I want either.
Public Libraries are no longer places for research and study, but are more like shabby versions of booksellers doling out best sellers, free day care, and largely unnecessary internet connections. All most public libraries need is a coffee bar, some green paint, and soft jazz to complete their transition to tax dollar funded Barnes & Noble.
Usually if something is worth buying to read to begin with, it isn’t worth my time to read either. If you have more time than I do on your hands but not enough money to fill your cavernous craving for media, allow me to suggest getting a part time job at a bookstore. Less time, more cash, and a discount.
February 4th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
I really hope this is sarcasm, although it doesn’t look like it. Public libraries still fill an enormously vital function in American communities. Yes, schools have libraries, but they must often work with public libraries to supplement their material, especially in smaller towns. Libraries also provide AV materials, public computers (vitally important to people who can’t afford to have one at home–our public computer patron business now equals our book patrons), community programs for children and adults, and meeting and study areas for individuals and groups who need them.
Public libraries are still a vitally important publically available source of information and information assistance. Closing them down in today’s information age would be an absolute disaster for society.
And BTW, Kat Kan’s absolutely right about the need for a written materials selection policy. We found that out the hard way a while back, although it was not a book challenge situation.
March 14th, 2007 at 10:31 pm
I am pleased to announce that the Marshall Public Library Board of Trustees voted to return both Blankets and Fun Home to the shelves on March 14, 2007.