Banned or Censored Book Response - City of Wasilla, Alaska

City of Wasilla, Alaska ^ | September 2008 | Mayor Dianne M. Keller

[mojito]

CITY OF WASILLA •Office of the Mayor•

We at the City of Wasilla have received many emails and requests for information about “banned or censored” books at the Wasilla Library while former Mayor Palin was in office. We have no records of any books being “banned or censored” ever.

Below is the policy to request reconsideration of library materials:

Reconsideration Requests of Library Materials

In accordance with the Wasilla Public Library Collection Development Policy, the library, “…strives to achieve a balanced collection of materials in the major information categories, as well as a fiction collection calculated to satisfy the widest possible variety of tastes. All viewpoints and opinions on controversial subjects will be represented whenever possible… Wasilla Public Library recognizes the right of every citizen to read and gather information, and his or her right to freedom from censorship by other persons. Many books are controversial and any given item may offend some persons. However, selections for this library will not be made on the basis of anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the merits of the material in relation to the building of the collection and to serving the interests of all readers. This library holds censorship to be a purely individual matter and declares that – while anyone is free to reject for himself books and other materials of which he does not approve – he cannot exercise this right of censorship to restrict the freedom of others.”

The Library conducts a systematic process whenever a Matanuska-Susitna Library Network cardholder requests the reconsideration of an item in the library collection. The first step in the process is the patron speaking with the library director, who listens to the patron concerns and explains how materials are selected for the library’s collection. It is the policy of Wasilla Public Library that all challenged materials remain in circulation until a final decision is reached and a challenged item may go through the reconsideration process only once within a twelve month period.

Our records indicate the following actions requested by library patrons:

Year of Challenge - Item Challenge - Result

1986 - Angel Dust Blues by Todd Strasser - Creation of “Young Adult” section in library and placement of item in section

1986 - Bumps in the Night by Harvey Allard - Remained on shelf

1997 - Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman - Remained on shelf

2005 - America (The Book): A Citizen’s Guide to Democracy Inaction by Jon Stewart - Remained on shelf

2007 - The Abduction by Mette Newth - Remained on shelf

Thank you for your interest in the Wasilla Public Library policy.

Mayor Dianne M. Keller

[sarasmom]

LOL!

While you made several good and valid points regarding librarians, your attitude regarding library patrons was a bit over the top.

No, I do not personally enjoy the stench and crudeness of certain people who also avail themselves of the peace and quiet, not to mention the comfort and cleanliness, offered by my local public library.

But they have as much right to be there as I do, so long as they follow the posted rules of conduct.
And if the choice of a town is between a library or a park, I would choose to fund the library with my tax dollars.

[j-damn]

*While you made several good and valid points regarding librarians, your attitude regarding library patrons was a bit over the top.*

I could have been harsher to librarians, no doubt. And working in a library, you don’t remember the good patrons who cause no trouble, that’s for sure, just the kooks.