Policy to Protect Books from Being Banned in San Diego County Public Libraries
The Conflict between Democracy, Public Libraries, and
Censorship
In ancient Athens, the birthplace of democracy, we see early examples of this tension playing out. The trial and execution of Socrates in 399 BCE highlights how even in a democratic society, there can be efforts to censor or punish speech deemed dangerous or corrupting. Socrates was convicted of "corrupting the youth" and "impiety" for his philosophical teachings that questioned traditional beliefs. His fate demonstrates that majorities in democracies can sometimes act to suppress minority views they find threatening.
However, throughout their history, libraries have faced periodic challenges and attempts at censorship from various quarters. During the McCarthy era of the 1950s, for instance, there were efforts to purge libraries of books deemed "communist" or subversive. The ongoing debate over banned books shows this tension persists today.
Recent years have seen a dramatic uptick in book challenges and bans, often targeting works related to LGBTQ+ issues, race, and sexuality. As noted in the article, the American Library Association reported over 4,000 unique book titles targeted for censorship in 2023 alone. This trend reflects deep social and political divisions, with some groups seeking to restrict access to certain ideas or perspectives they consider inappropriate or harmful, particularly for young people.
Proponents of book bans often argue they are protecting children or upholding community values. However, critics see these efforts as infringements on intellectual freedom that are antithetical to democratic principles and the mission of public libraries. They argue that libraries should represent diverse viewpoints and that parents, not the state or pressure groups, should guide their children's reading choices.
Public libraries could be subject to a variation of the "tragedy of the commons", where no book which presented a strong viewpoint objected to by anyone in the community would be eliminated. The policy proposed by Supervisor Lawson-Remer in San Diego County represents a proactive stance against book banning. By ensuring access to frequently banned books and supporting state legislation to prevent censorship, it aims to uphold the principles of intellectual freedom and equal access to information. This approach sees resisting censorship as essential to preserving democratic values and fostering an informed citizenry.
However, this stance is not without controversy. Some argue that democratically elected officials should have a say in library content, reflecting community standards. This raises complex questions about majority rule versus protection of minority rights and viewpoints in a democracy.
The ongoing debates around library censorship reflect broader tensions in democratic societies between freedom of expression and other societal values or concerns. They touch on fundamental questions about the role of government, the rights of individuals versus community standards, and how to navigate complex social issues in diverse societies.
As we move forward, finding ways to balance these competing interests while upholding core democratic principles remains a crucial challenge. The fate of public libraries as open forums for ideas and information will likely remain a key battleground in these broader societal debates.
The Strain Of Censorship On Public Libraries
This summer, a library in Lafayette, Louisiana, was forced to remove a Pride Month display after conservative Christian activists joined its board of directors.
In Iowa, a proposed bill would give city councils the power to overturn librarians' decisions about what books to buy and where they're displayed.
And librarians in Missouri canceled their bookmobile to several schools after a law passed in the state criminalizing anyone who makes visually explicit content available in schools.
So far, the American Library Association has reported 681 challenges to more than 1,600 titles this year. That puts 2022 on track to see the highest number of book challenges in decades.
What future do public libraries and library workers have in this climate of unprecedented censorship? And what role do larger, out-of-state libraries play in combating it?
The American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom's Deborah Caldwell-Stone, the former director of Boundary County Public Library in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Kimber Glidden, the Michigan Library Association's Deborah Mikula, author and professor of English, the University of Mississippi, Kiese Laymon, and freelance writer and literary critic, Connor Goodwin all join us for the conversation.
Like what you hear? Find more of our programs online.
Supervisor Lawson-Remer Proposes Policy to Protect Books from Being Banned in County Libraries - Times of San Diego
San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer Monday outlined a proposed policy intended to protect “banned books” and ensure they are accessible at all 33 county library branches.
According to Lawson-Remer, book bans are rising in the United States with 17 states banning or challenging 100 different books. The American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom reported that in 2023 alone, 4,240 unique book titles were targeted for censorship nationwide.
“We are standing up for democracy and working to keep literature from being censored in San Diego County,” said Lawson-Remer, vice chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “A significant portion of the bans happening across our country are targeting books representing the voices and lived experiences of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC people. With this policy, we’re protecting your right to read and fighting back against racism and bigotry.”
The policy includes several suggestions, including supporting an Assembly Bill requiring state-funded libraries to create a written policy for the creation of book collections, preventing library boards from “banning or restricting the circulation of any materials based on their topics or the views, ideas, or opinions expressed in them,” as well as directing the Chief Administrative Officer to recognize Banned Book Week, and have the county acquire and make available hard and/or digital copies of banned books to ensure access at each county library location.
The ALA also reported a dramatic 65% increase in challenges of unique book titles in 2023 compared to 2022 — 47% of the targeted books involve LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals. Last year, the city of San Diego library in Rancho Peñasquitos was targeted by protesters trying to censor LGTBQ+ books.
That library branch had a Pride display with dozens of books featuring LGTBQ+ characters or topics. The protesters checked out all the books and informed San Diego Head Librarian Misty Jones they were keeping the books unless the library excluded them from the collection.
“(They) said they felt having those types of books on gender identity and sexuality for were not appropriate for children. It’s not in the children’s area. It’s in the front of the library,” Jones said. “And also, I think it discounts the fact that there are many, many children with two moms, two dads. There are children that identify as LGBTQ. This is not something that should be shielded from children.”
Examples of “banned and challenged” books Include: “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Goosebumps,” “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” and “Brave New World,” among others.
“Mexican White Boy” by San Diego-based author Matthew de la Peña was banned in Tucson, Arizona and La Jolla-based author Theodor Seuss Geisel — known across the globe as Dr. Seuss — was on the list of 14 titles banned by a Katy Texas School District.
“Libraries have always been a space for community learning and dialogue,” said Leslie Ann Masland, an adult services librarian with the county. “Equal access to information and books that raise critical issues that often times uplift the voices of those who are often left out deserves to be protected as a constitutional right for all residents in San Diego County.”
“As other entities look to ban books and limit free speech, I am proud to stand as a librarian that celebrates these freedoms for our vibrant and diverse San Diego communities,” she said.
On Tuesday, Aug. 27 the Board of Supervisors will vote on Lawson-Remer’s policy.
City News Service contributed to this article.
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