News Report #4

LIB 103
Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Kathryn Smith

Schools, libraries see hundreds of requests to ban books
By Ledyard King, Gannett News Service

In this article, it discusses the issue that every year numerous public libraries and public schools receive requests from parents, public officials and activists demanding certain book they see as inappropriate be removed. Such book topics include literary classics, and human sexuality manuals. According to the American Library Association, even dictionaries are occasionally requested to be removed.

To my surprise, this has been going on since 1990, but the number of cases in which a book was removed has declined over time according to one source. American Library Association officials say they know of 420 requests for books to be removed from schools and libraries in the year 2007.

One example of a book mentioned in the article is John Steinbeck’s, Of Mice and Men. This was a book I was required to read in high school and is on the high school reading lists across the country. But this classic novel from time to time also appears on a list of books that some parents want pulled from shelves because they believe it contains strong use of vulgar language, sexual content or there are many other reasons for them wanting it removed. I find this somewhat ridiculous considering at this age majority of the students have had some type of Sex Education course and are already aware of topics discussed in the novel.

From my experience, and knowledge of this novel, do not find this book inappropriate for high-schoolers to be exposed to. Although there may have been some reference to crude language or sexual content, I do not feel as though it took away from the meaning and storyline of the novel and what instructors are trying to get from their students when asked to read this book.

In other articles, relating to this one, they discuss the banning of books and also discuss setting age limits on books for children as well. I believe this is understood of course if a young child attempts to read/view a book which is apparent to be out of his or her level of maturity, but overall should not be a big issue. Children as they learn and mature throughout school, do not all acquire equivalent reading levels. Some are stronger readers while some take longer to acquire reading skills. A seven year old might be an above average reader and want to read a book or novel labeled at a ten year olds level. I do not think this is fair for students or anyone, to be deprived of their exploration for knowledge or reading.

Personally I feel there are larger issues children and teenagers are exposed to in the world that parents or officials need to be more concerned about than whether or not certain novels assigned in the classroom are inappropriate or not.