Kansas library will keep 3 challenged books in kids section

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Associated Press


Updated 12:33 pm CST, Thursday, February 14, 2019

ANDOVER, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas public library has rejected a request to move three children's books with LGBT characters out of the children's section.

The Andover Public Library board of directors voted Wednesday to keep children's books "George," ''Lily and Dunkin" and "I am Jazz" in the juvenile section. All the books included characters that are transgender.

Andover resident Marci Laffen had asked the board to move the books to the adult section because of their content. In her written challenge to the books, Laffen argued the books were part of a "sexual revolution agenda, indoctrination of children."

The Wichita Eagle reports there was little discussion before Wednesday's vote. About 55 people attended a January meeting to discuss the issue.

Read more: https://www.chron.com/news/education/article/Kansas-library-will-keep-3-challenged-books-in-13616805.php

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Andover Public Library will keep transgender children’s books in the kids section
BY JASON TIDD

FEBRUARY 13, 2019 07:42 PM,
UPDATED 1 HOUR 13 MINUTES AGO

A Kansas public library will be keeping three children’s books with LGBT characters in the kids section.

The board of directors at the Andover Public Library voted 6-1 on Wednesday to keep children’s books “George,” “Lily and Dunkin” and “I am Jazz” shelved in the juvenile section. Board members said they received feedback on both sides of the issue from Andover residents and people from elsewhere.

The books contain elementary or middle school characters who happen to be transgender. Andover community member Marci Laffen had challenged the books.

Board members had said Laffen’s written challenge referred to the books as part of a “sexual revolution agenda, indoctrination of children.” She did not ask for the library to remove the books. Rather, she wanted them moved to the adult section because of what she called “sexual content.”

More:
https://www.kansas.com/news/local/education/article226183305.html

[oldsoftie]

1. I'm sick of all this book banning. Its ridiculous. On both sides.

I've seen people wanting Grapes of Wrath banned (cussin' ya know). Huck Finn. Citizen Kane. These books. Even Its a Wonderful Life. Etc etc. Some books are offensive to someone if you look hard enough. You don't wanna read it, fine. But classics are there for a reason.
We're turning into a Bunch of whiners!

[Javaman]

2. if the right wing had their way, there would be book barnfires. nt

[MineralMan]

3. At my hometown library, the woman

who was the librarian when I was a kid refused to let me check out a book from the adult section. I was 8 years old and had burned through the children's section already. The book? It was a book about radios. The Boy's Book of Electronics. I think I also had a Isaac Asimov science fiction novel I wanted, too. Nope! You can't check those out. You're too young!

So I told my mother, who marched down to the library with me and read the librarian the riot act. The librarian made her sign a paper allowing me to check out books from the adult section. She was grumpy about it, though.

So, every time I came to the counter with books, the librarian glared at me. Mrs. Cheek was her name. She retired not long after that, and was replaced by a nice man who encouraged my reading and helped me find books about subjects I was interested in.

It wasn't like I was checking out porn, for pete's sake. The book's title was The Boy's Book of Electronics, for pete's sake.

It was one of those eye-opening moments for me. Thanks, Mom!

[Judi Lynn]

4. Outstanding response from your mother. Wonderful account to hear.

You were a very lucky kid to have her in your life! Thanks.

[MineralMan]

6. Yes. I remember her telling that librarian,

"He can read any book he wants. You do not get to decide. I do."

My mom didn't mess around. I was a precocious reader, for sure. My mom liked that, and encouraged it. So, I was reading adult books very early. Voraciously. Smart mom.

[cp]

5. Hey uptight lady, if you don't like the book, don't check it out

Libraries are our public treasures! They are here for all of us.