21 August 2001

Library urged to remove books

Associated Press

SPRINGDALE, Ark. The works of three Western authors should be removed from the Springdale Public Library, according to one complaint, because their books contain "pornographic, sexual encounters."

The library board will discuss the request at a Sept. 12 meeting. The complaint said the works of Jon Sharpe, Jake Logan and Tabor Evans could have a harmful effect on readers.

"We don't restrict books into the collection based on sexual content," said Marcia Ransom, library director. "There are a lot of alternatives to those."

The library has about 48 Western authors to choose from in the collection, Ms. Ransom said. The readers are still responsible for what they choose, she said.

According to the Library Bill of Rights, "Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation."

In May, the library board was asked to remove Twelve Wild Swans, a book dealing with Wicca, a neo-pagan religion, Ms. Ransom said.

Moncella Reed, library reference coordinator, said the complaint's author said the book was a "witchcraft manual" and turned people away from God and Bible scriptures.

Last month, the board rejected the removal request. Ms. Ransom said the library has a number of titles in its 128,080-volume collection that are representative of many religions. She said board members felt they couldn't remove the book just because it dealt with a non-Christian subject.

"We have made concessions in the past when people have expressed concerns," Ms. Ransom said. "We have moved some children's books into the young adult section when asked and found it was appropriate."

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Online at: Library Urged to Remove Books
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