Reflection on Censorship with "Coping with Challenges"

Post date: May 20, 2013 12:52:35 PM

"Coping with Challenges." American Library Association. N.p., 1999. Web. 19 May 2013. <http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/challengeslibrarymaterials/essentialpreparation/kidslibraries>.

Libraries are full of carefully selected materials for both sides of many issues. The librarian carefully selects each piece of material so that all sides of an issue may be covered. He or she also looks at scholarly reviews, if professional librarians recommend the material, and if there is a lot of interest in that particular material. This is done throughout all sections of the library to provide a balanced collection for all patrons of the library.

Public libraries treat materials differently than places privately owned such as a movie theater, which is why a movie theater can ID people so that they are of a certain age to watch something. A library relies on the parents of each individual to guide them with their material choices. If the library had certain areas that were restricted, teens would frequent those areas more often. By having a balanced collection, it encourages people to explore the entire library to find something that they like. Also, there is always the option of asking the librarian for a specific book, a type of genre, or what they feel a good book might be for a certain maturity level.

The Bill of Rights is in place because each person matures at a different level and some kids may love a book with more adult themes whereas it may be too much for another. If parents are an active part of their child’s library visit, then they can help their child choose book appropriate for their family and also help answer questions about material that may be confusing for them.

Getting parents involved with their child’s lives is a great aspect that library visits can bring to family life. If the family keeps one shelf at home devoted to library books so that no one loses theirs, the parents can see what is being checked out and possibly become closer with their children if they choose to talk about some of their reading decisions. Libraries are family oriented, they have materials for all members of the family, as well as programs to keep the family coming back for more things than just checking out books. They make the reading experience fun for all so that children will grow up to be lifelong learners.