“I am scared to death to own a book that might be on the radar for promoting LGBTQ+ ideas or anything that would seem I am grooming students to any political, religious, or other ideas. I do not want to jeopardize my job or cause my campus or district to be embattled in a war over a book. It’s a tricky spot to be in.”
It’s Banned Books Week, launched in 1982 in response to the sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in libraries, bookstores, and schools. The annual event highlights the value of free and open access to information and brings together librarians, educators, authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers of all types in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas.
Yet some book industry participants feel they are in a precarious position and are reluctant to exercise their freedom of speech regarding banned books, for fear of retribution.
One such person is a public elementary school librarian in Texas, one of the states with the highest rate of banned books in the country. She spoke the words above and gave BookTrib this exclusive interview under the condition of anonymity. Her comments reflect some real-life concerns, perspectives and emotions that go beyond the pages.
Here’s what she told us:
You are a librarian in Texas, one of the states with the highest rate of banned books. How do you feel about that?
I read somewhere that we out-banned some states 800 to 1 – sad! Seriously, it’s awful and I feel concerned and fearful, as it has been a rising problem in the last several years. Many educators and librarians have lost their jobs, quit the profession, or simply given in and are removing books in sweeping fashion in order to keep the peace. This has not been the case in my district, and we are extremely grateful to have a supportive school board, leadership that helps us comply with policies but doesn’t instill panic, and a community that does not seem intent on participating in this witchhunt.
What is your stance on banned books?
Being in an elementary school library, the banning, the challenges, and the types of materials we are potentially flagged for is a little different. I am in no way in favor of elementary students having access to material that is inappropriate for their age, or material containing sexual content or graphic violence. What I have to consider, versus what high schools consider, are worlds apart. I am grateful to be in elementary.
I fully support material that accurately portrays all history (in an age-appropriate format). I embrace stories that represent different perspectives on family structures, and cultural and religious groups, and am grateful there is more diversity than ever in characters.
And I understand the importance of books with characters and stories that allow sensitive topics to be addressed and normalized as part of belonging to a diverse world. My goal is that a marginalized student would feel empowered by these stories and that other students would gain understanding and empathy.
That said, I am dumbfounded by the ridiculousness of some of the titles I have seen on the list for elementary schools. And, besides all of the silly bans on fantasy stories. it’s horrifying when authors and books like The New Kid by Jerry Craft are banned for promoting critical race theory when what they actually do is portray real life and positive depictions of Black American families.
How has the banned book movement in Texas affected your work as a librarian? What kind of added pressures have you felt?
More than ever, I am checking what I have and what I buy. If it addresses “sensitive” topics, I just make sure the reviews are there to back it as a legitimate and suitable choice, age-appropriate, and with literary value.
What kind of impact has this situation had on your interaction with parents, students and other teachers?
I am careful, and I am afraid, and I am still fighting to make sure students and teachers are able to have access to the best collection I can provide.
What is the most troubling aspect you have experienced on this topic?
I am just afraid of teachers packing up their classroom libraries and good librarians quitting or being fired because of fallout.
What would you hope for next steps on this issue?
I hope it goes away, but that is not realistic. I genuinely hope that through education and example, our communities and our government can begin to value the power in stories and diverse voices. I hope that politics can stay out of school libraries and that librarians can be trusted to do their jobs.
