The below Letter to the Editor was written with parents, school board members, and the community at large in mind. I wrote this during library appreciation month to spread awareness on the negative effects of censorship, which has become a contentious topic over the past several years. It also promotes an openness and acceptance of others’ ideas and beliefs.

Letter to the Editor

For those of us who love to read, April is school library appreciation month!

I often take my seemingly unlimited access to free books through the public library for granted. However, this kind of access is not always available in the school library.

Censorship is defined as the suppression of ideas and information that certain individuals, groups or officials find objectionable. As parents, teachers, librarians, or simply as concerned citizens, we often mistakenly use censorship as a means to “protect our children”.  According to the American Library Association, 23% of all challenges to books take place in school libraries (2018). I believe that school library books should be emotionally and intellectually age appropriate; with that said, we should allow our children to experience and learn about different cultures and beliefs, to seek out new information and ideas, and to begin to understand each other’s differences. This can only lead to a more accepting and tolerant generation.

As a future school librarian, one of my fears is that I will self-censor in my quest to shelve a variety of books that will meet the needs of all of my students. I will be responsible for selecting books with the goal of providing access to materials that students see themselves reflected in, while at the same time looking at the world as a community that is a blend of many diverse people. At the end of the day, I want each of my students to be happy, successful life-long learners.

I encourage you to volunteer at your school library (post-pandemic) by offering to read to students.  If your business or service group is able, partner with your school library on a fundraising project or provide volunteers to get involved to make sure all students have access to a diverse and equitable collection of books.

To be submitted to the Fredericksburg Freelance Star at https://fredericksburg.com/site/forms/online_services/letter/

300 word maximum

5.1 Professional Learning

5.2 Leadership and Collaboration

5.3 Advocacy

5.4 Ethical Practice