![]() It’s Wednesday, so let’s have a grown-up discussion about library books. A Floral City man wants the library director to eliminate a bunch of books because of their LGBTQ subject matter. There’s no actual reason given for his request, other than he’s offended. “Eliminate the woke garbage and purchase classics, or return the money to the taxpayers,” the man wrote in his request to the county.
He then included a list of 26 books to eliminate. There’s a review process and it’ll ultimately be decided by the library director or appealed to the library advisory board. We’re not going to list them here. They all deal with the same subject — some fiction, and some nonfiction. Most Citrus Countians have no idea these books even exist. So, here’s today’s question: Should we eliminate library books if segments of the community find them objectionable? Let’s get into it. First off, I realize this is a touchy subject. Extremes exist on both sides. One extreme wants all books it finds objectionable removed, claiming vague “community standards.” The other extreme says we shouldn’t even be discussing something so un-American as removing books from a public library. Neither side wants this conversation. Both sides feel the other’s point is meaningless. We should never fear community debate. Actually, the more difficult the subject, the greater the potential reward. Knowing, of course, that some people are gunning for bear. The man making this complaint is a charter member of the Library Guy Gang, so you know he’s not stopping at this list of 26. He and his pals won’t be happy until the library is cleared of anything they find objectionable, which will render us a library as dull as the wallpaper in your bathroom. I have numerous thoughts on the matter: — I’m not one of those who believe once it’s in the library it’s golden. So don’t count me among the “protect everything at all costs” crowd. — That said, and I’ll return to this in a minute, we better have a DARN GOOD REASON for removing books. — “I don’t like it” is not a good reason. — Neither is, “I am offended.” — Nor: “Woke.” — Libraries are meant to be diverse. Honestly, if you spend 15 minutes wandering a library and do NOT see something that turns your stomach, look again. I purposely avoid certain shelves containing books that violate every principle of my being. — Notice that I avoid the shelves. I don’t demand the books be removed. — There should be a really good reason to remove materials from the library. The Library Guy Gang’s request says the material “targets minors” and that our tax dollars should be spent on “the classics.” (For the life of me I cannot understand the logic that removing books from a public library protects children. Don’t kids have parents? County commissioners protect your kid from social influences better than you? Really?) — I divide the get-rid-of-the-books crowd into two segments: Folks who genuinely have concern for children in the community and perhaps are a little naive about what’s in the library; and those who have self-righteous hate in their hearts and just want to stir up trouble. I feel for the first batch; the second batch I have no use for. — It’s the second batch making the most noise here. Pure troublemakers. Their purpose is to disrupt, not unite. — I say this each time but it’s always worth repeating: Visit the libraries, and then decide for yourself whether we have a problem with certain materials. This is a significant community conversation. Dive into it. Hear from all sides. Do your own research. It’s not a matter of “objectionable material.” A book isn’t objectionable until it’s read. No, the bigger issue is whether to allow a majority population (i.e., “Christian” conservatives) to shut down voices of a minority (everyone not like them). I’m trying to see the ban-the-book side, I really am. But it sure seems like strong-arm tactics preying on the weak and uninformed. We should have a darn good reason before permanently removing library books. I haven’t seen one yet. Have a beautiful Wednesday, friends. Join the discussion on our Facebook page. Enjoying the blog? Please consider supporting it at Venmo, PayPal, or Patreon. Comments are closed.
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AuthorMike Wright has written about Citrus County government and politics for 36 years. Archives
February 2025
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