Banning children's books: When is it justified?

[Danee]

I think the line has to be drawn as well and what that line is, is on the society of the area and parental attitude.  Responsible parent attitude.  Ones who think.  How to make that happen, is anyone's guess but I do believe in Europe in most countries, this would never be even discussed. 

Scrotum?  I think every 9 year old says balls or nuts now.  Around their parents too, without a come back. 

[Jann]

There are certainly a lot of books kids shouldn't be reading.  And someone has to decide which books the library will have.

There are books out there that are truly pornographic, and I have no problem with whoever is in charge of my school's library opting not to stock them.

The problem is that different people draw the line at a different place.  But the line absolutely does have to be drawn.

It is very easy to make decisions concerning the holdings of school libraries.  They should have materials that support all aspects of the school curriculum.  In the unlikely event they have money left over after that they can increase their general reference and literature collections.  Librarians are the experts on books.  Curriculum committees make the rules within their own bailiwick.  Clerics and parents, the good, the bad and the ugly, should keep their fingers out of the pie.  If news reports are to be believed, interlopers are more concerned with what NOT to teach rather than with ensuring the designated curriculum is taught at an appropriate standard.

[Eric]

I'm not sure what he means by Children's Library, I never saw any library dedicated to kids beside those within the walls of an elementary school.

In addition to the school libraries, the town I grew up in had a dedicated children's library, in its own building. More commonly though, I think you'd find them as sub-sections of main libraries. Of course it depends on the size of the library and funding.

[Eric]

The problem is that different people draw the line at a different place.  But the line absolutely does have to be drawn.

Which lends itself to an easy solution: Stock everything, and let individuals draw the line where they individually please with regards to what they read or want their children to read.

[brandon]

In our public library, the children's section is on the ground floor. That's what I meant by children's library. Not a separate building in our case. The adult and teen ( =vampire ) sections are upstairs.

[Dan]

Maybe things are that different in Québec after all, but I doubt it.  I haven't visited there yet.  But every public library I've seen in Britain, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia & Maine has a children's section and that is what he means by Children's Library.  I would venture that is common across the continent.

Yes, likewise in Quebec. But if even if you get a book out of this section, as long as the book stays on the shelves somewhere, it seems to be a moot point to me...

[brandon]

Can we define here what we mean by "banning"?

I think the groups say they support "age appropriate access" to the books they find offensive. Generally this means that gay-positive books aimed at a teen audience should not accessible by anyone under 18.

In reality, this means that the books are disposed of, or not purchased by the library in the first place.

Here is a link to one of these groups: http://www.sibbap.org/

[Stuart]

Can we define here what we mean by "banning"?

I think the groups say they support "age appropriate access" to the books they find offensive. Generally this means that gay-positive books aimed at a teen audience should not accessible by anyone under 18.

So we're talking about having age ratings for books, just like films and games?!?

[Jann]

Can we define here what we mean by "banning"?

I think the groups say they support "age appropriate access" to the books they find offensive. Generally this means that gay-positive books aimed at a teen audience should not accessible by anyone under 18.

So we're talking about having age ratings for books, just like films and games?!?

Here is a novel thought.  Why not let the librarians run the libraries and let the parents be responsible for their children? 

What a radical concept!  It will never catch on.

[brandon]

Here is a novel thought.  Why not let the librarians run the libraries and let the parents be responsible for their children? 

What a radical concept!  It will never catch on.

Parents can't be standing over their son or daughter's shoulder at all times. Kids lie to their parents and say they are just going to McDonalds, but instead sneak off to the library! It's the opposite of the Beach Boys' Fun Fun Fun

Well, she got her daddy's car
And she cruised through the hamburger stand now
Seems she forgot all about the library
Like she told her old man now