by Carol Grant, Past President, WDM Library Board of Trustees
You're probably familiar with how Facebook's algorithms select content for your feed, often accompanied by the comment, "You might like this...". It's no surprise that posts about libraries occasionally show up on my feed. Recently, one post in particular caught my attention. It featured a photo of a banner strung between two posts with the words, "A great library has something in it to offend everyone." While this statement made me chuckle, it holds a great deal of truth. Libraries truly offer something for everyone, regardless of their interests. Whether it's books or resources, you can find something related to your topic of interest. Consequently, it's reasonable to expect that there might also be books or resources that certain readers don't like or approve of.
Efforts, whether by individuals or groups, to ban certain books are not a new phenomenon. Often, the targeted topics include sexual or racial identity or religion. You can explore a long and surprising list of examples of banned books on the Freedom to Read website.
To me, it seems that the motivation behind book bans often boils down to power and control.
In a New York Times article updated on June 22nd, titled "Book Ban Efforts Spread Across the U.S.", it was reported that the frequency of book challenges has been increasing. According to the article, the American Library Association has experienced an "unprecedented" number of book challenges in the past year. A quote from the article reads:
“’The politicization of the topic is what's different than what I've seen in the past,’ said Britten Follett, the chief executive of content at Follett School Solutions, one of the largest book providers to K-12 schools in the country. ‘It's being driven by legislation; it's being driven by politicians aligning with one side or the other. And in the end, the librarian, teacher, or educator is getting caught in the middle.’”
I find this trend deeply concerning.
My term on the WDM Library Board of Trustees concluded at the end of June. Having served on the board since 2018, I had the honor and pleasure of being the Board President during the past fiscal year. We truly have an exceptional library! So far, it seems that the city of West Des Moines, its residents, and subsequently, the WDM Library have not been affected by this troubling trend. I leave my position with the confidence that the library is in excellent hands. The Library Director, staff, the Board of Trustees, and members of the Friends Foundation are highly capable and dedicated. Additionally, I have full faith in the city and its residents to ask questions and seek dialogue when they have concerns while also supporting the freedom to read.
For those who may have questions, you can read the library’s collection development/materials selection policy here.
Are you interested in serving on the Board of Trustees for the library? You are always welcome to submit an application with the City of West Des Moines.