Once again, we are witness to over zealous politicians deciding what is appropriate for us to read and take out at our local libraries.
The Daily Press of Victorville in California has this report this morning.
http://www.vvdailypress.com/...
As a librarian I am alarmed at the actions and intentions of local officials in this situation. While I agree that some material may not be suitable for Children, I cannot agree with the wholesale removal of such material from the library as a whole. If pornographic material (or at least inappropriate material) is located in the Childrens section then it should be removed and placed in the adult sections.
Who is this Bill Postmus to decide that it is not appropriate for anyone to read. The purpose of a public library is to expose users to as wide a variety of materials as possible. I am even more concerend at comments by Victorville councilman Hunter that "when the city takes over we are not just going to look at books, but movies and Internet filters that could also pose the same threat". Since when was councilman Hunter appointed Lord protector of all Library patrons?
Perhaps they would only be happy if we filled our shelves with Bibles, multiple copies of the Koran (on second thoughts they may not like this), any book by Bill O'Reilly, or the book that George Bush was reading when the planes hit the WTC..obviously that must have been good as he refused to act until he was nearly finished reading.
Such actions are taking us back to the days of Purtitanical facism. You are not free to read what you like anymore. Just remember to go to your local library to make sure they have an appropriate range of material in all sections.