Posted on 10/17/2008 9:18:14 AM PDT by GATOR NAVY
WASILLA Wasilla Public Library has decided not to shelve two childrens books dealing with homosexuality donated by a gay activist in California.
Michael Petrelis, a 49-year-old from San Francisco, donated the books in September after learning of Gov. Sarah Palins question about banning certain books when she was Wasillas mayor.
In 1996 Palin asked Wasillas librarian how she would feel about banning certain books at the library. While no books were banned, Palins question started a brief controversy over censorship at the library.
Palin reportedly took issue with the book Pastor, I Am Gay, by local author and now-retired minister Howard Bess.
The censorship story, reported that year in the Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, largely faded into history until Republican presidential candidate John McCain named Palin as his running mate in August.
The ensuing media attention rehashed the 12-year-old story.
Petrelis, who runs a popular blog dealing with gay and lesbian issues, donated the books Heather Has Two Mommies and Daddys Roommate during Banned Books Week, the American Library Associations celebration of the freedom to read.
I said, Im going to send copies of both books just to make sure theyre on the shelves, Petrelis said in a previous interview.
When the books arrived, Library Director KJ Martin-Albright said they would go through an approval process that doesnt look at content but focuses more on durability and appeal, and determines whether there is enough space, among other factors.
Petrelis donated books failed the test, Martin-Albright said.
Anything on the library has to earn its real estate, she said Wednesday.
The Wasilla library does have childrens books dealing with homosexuality, including one title, And Tango Makes Three, about two male penguins raising an egg together.
Martin-Albright said the titles Petrelis donated failed to make it on library shelves because they are poorly constructed, lacked engaging illustrations and seemed to lack the ability to engage young readers. The books also appeared unable to stand repeated use, and would have likely fallen apart eventually.
It really doesnt have anything to do with the content or lack of content, Martin-Albright said.
The donated books will go to Friends of Wasilla Library, to be sold during a future book sale. The money generated from those books sales goes to funding projects at the library.
On Wednesday, Petrelis said hes not disappointed the books didnt make it onto the shelves. Hes just happy they will eventually support the library somehow.
Im hoping that part of my point is to say as a gay man, I support public libraries, Petrelis said.
Petrelis also recently donated male and female contraceptives to Wasilla High School, Palins alma mater.
Palin advocates for abstinence-only education.
He said he had a man-to-man conversation with Wasilla High Principal Dwight Probasco about sex education issues and what hes up against as an educator.
On Thursday, Probasco said he hasnt done anything with the contraceptives and isnt sure what will happen to them.
I told him [Petrelis] if it was his intent to be able to visualize me standing by the front door handing out condoms, thats not going to happen, Probasco said.
For Petrelis, no matter what happens to the items he has donated to the Wasilla library and high school, he said hes really wants to promote the value of those institutions
I believe in strong schools and strong libraries, he said.
Why can’t Rovito just hustle his little ass down to Barnes & Noble and buy this garbage there?
NAMBLA continues to make inroads for access to children. When will people wake up?
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