Banned Books -- at the end of "Banned Books Week"

[Shadow Wolf]

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Sacrilegious.

 

[anna.]

Supervisor Lawson-Remer Proposes Policy to Protect Books from Being Banned in County Libraries

San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer Monday outlined a proposed policy intended to protect "banned books" and ensure they are accessible at all 33 county library branches.

timesofsandiego.com

The policy includes several suggestions, including supporting an Assembly Bill requiring state-funded libraries to create a written policy for the creation of book collections, preventing library boards from “banning or restricting the circulation of any materials based on their topics or the views, ideas, or opinions expressed in them,” as well as directing the Chief Administrative Officer to recognize Banned Book Week, and have the county acquire and make available hard and/or digital copies of banned books to ensure access at each county library location. . . .​

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The ALA also reported a dramatic 65% increase in challenges of unique book titles in 2023 compared to 2022 — 47% of the targeted books involve LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals. Last year, the city of San Diego library in Rancho Peñasquitos was targeted by protesters trying to censor LGTBQ+ books.​

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That library branch had a Pride display with dozens of books featuring LGTBQ+ characters or topics. The protesters checked out all the books and informed San Diego Head Librarian Misty Jones they were keeping the books unless the library excluded them from the collection.​

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“(They) said they felt having those types of books on gender identity and sexuality for were not appropriate for children. It’s not in the children’s area. It’s in the front of the library,” Jones said. “And also, I think it discounts the fact that there are many, many children with two moms, two dads. There are children that identify as LGBTQ. This is not something that should be shielded from children.”​

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Examples of “banned and challenged” books Include: “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Goosebumps,” “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” and “Brave New World,” among others. . . .​

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On Tuesday, Aug. 27 the Board of Supervisors will vote on Lawson-Remer’s policy.​

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Lawson-Remer's policy to protect books passes 3-2. A reminder of how important down-ballot, local votes are.

County Libraries to Display Titles Banned in Other States During Banned Books Week

The 33 libraries in the San Diego County system will display books that have been challenged and banned in other states in support of national Banned Books Week.

timesofsandiego.com