President's Message

As I have rushed through the summer, dreaming of delicious days with nothing on my agenda, I have decided that they are not to be. I have contented myself with reading half my amazing summer booklist (two were cookbooks and they were amazing!!) I have visited family, and gone on a short vacation. It was lovely. I wish I could stretch it out a little longer.

As the libraries start to call to us, we have pinned ideas for bulletin boards, made book lists for collection development and started fresh lesson plans. I hope you love the fall and back-to-school as much as I do and this will be our best year ever. As we head back, we are seeing more book challenges from one group of parents. We want to work with our families to find the books they want and I will share three amazing suggestions that were given to me by a mentor, Tiffany Hall.

First, if a book is returned for content, thank the parent or student. Be ready to help them find a book that does meet their needs and interests.

Second, if they feel the book needs to be reevaluated, give them the form and let them fill it out. We each need a book reconsideration committee. Check your school or district policy and if you don't have one, get one on the books by September 1, 2022. The new house bill requires it. Luckily my district reevaluated their policy and clarified points on it with our input! It makes book reconsideration something we all understand.

Finally, let your administrator or LEA know the policy. Make sure they know they will be a reader on your reconsideration committee. Then reach out to parents, other teachers, and school staff to fill your committee. As we face possible book challenges, being prepared will help us be as professional as possible.

In that spirit, the UELMA board members are reaching out to the librarians of Alpine District and any other district where books are being challenged to affirm our stance on libraries and we are working with other librarians and groups who support our amazing work and our desire to represent all of our students on our shelves.

Know that we value all the amazing work you do at UELMA. Utah should be proud of its libraries and librarians. Please reach out to us if you would like to share your situation or if we can be of help! And enjoy those last glorious summer days!!

Michele Edgley, UELMA President 2022-2023