Books are for reading, not banning
Dear Leading Ladies,
We went into last night’s event, “Books are for Reading, not Banning,” knowing that censorship has risen in recent years and that we feel, often smugly, lucky to live in Massachusetts. We knew that the majority of targeted books (and their authors) have LGBTQ+ themes; the rest are primarily about race. What we discovered is that there is a lot we didn't know, and other realities we need to be reminded of.
For those who couldn’t attend, and even those who could, we’d like to share these takeaways from the discussion with our panel of school librarians.
The First Amendment, which ensures freedom of speech and intellectual freedom, gives us access to books and information that allow us to make knowledgeable decisions. Book banning interferes with our First Amendment rights.
The legal definition of book banning is the government getting involved in denying access. Before a book is banned, it may be challenged by an individual or group.
For instance, books may be challenged by an individual who asks why a book is on the shelf. In a school setting, a conversation between the parent and teacher or school librarian is often enough to resolve the issue.
Challenges can be raised about other kinds of materials besides books, such as videos and games.
Sometimes the matter proceeds to involve PTAs and public meetings before a resolution can be achieved.
Processes in schools and public libraries can differ. All schools should have policies in place to consider books used in the classroom.
Although there is no legislation banning particular books or authors in Massachusetts, there have been challenges in multiple schools. There have also been protests, including some focused on drag queen story hours, and vandalism at more than one bookstore.
Nationally, the scope of book challenges has become vast. In the past, one book or author might have been targeted in a given library. Now, well-funded large organizations coordinate efforts with lists of books and pre-written letters meant to activate large groups.
Some of the legislation passed in other states is making it harder for librarians to resist, because it makes it criminal for them to put banned books on their shelves.
Even in Massachusetts, some librarians are removing books rather than face criticism. They are afraid to lose their jobs, particularly if their place of work does not have a clear process in place to support them.
The primary reason for banning is fear — fear of the unknown, fear of the other. Parents are genuinely concerned for their children’s well-being, but their fear can be manipulated and used as a tactic politically.
Though the target is now often LGBTQ+, it has always been about sexual content and the belief that reading something will encourage young people to act in some particular way.
What to do about classic books like Huckleberry Finn and Of Mice and Men is a continuing issue. Do we teach them and explain the context of the racist words? Do we present redacted versions? Do we excise them from the American canon?
Book banning hurts the authors of the banned books immeasurably. Their sales plummet and their speaking engagements disappear. Since they are often from marginalized groups themselves, banning can be devastating to their incomes and professional futures.
Young children are unaware of the reading opportunities they may be missing. It is up to the adults, parents, teachers, and librarians to provide a range of books and authors.
Librarians have a national code of ethics taught at all library science schools. Librarians must support intellectual freedom but remain politically neutral. They can provide information but must be careful not to lobby. At the same time, they feel constrained by the knowledge that their libraries depend on local funding.
1st place winner of the 2025 Art as Activism contest
What can we do?
The panelists advised us to pay attention to what’s going on locally. Attend school committee, town council and library meetings because that’s where the decisions and policies are decided. Stay in touch with your state legislators because that’s where important decisions are also made.
Events like our Community Conversation are also encouraged to keep the information flowing. And in the next few months a New England Regional Helpline will launch to offer support to librarians facing book challenges. We will pass on information about that as soon as it becomes public.
And one more thing. It turns out that the libraries in Beverly public elementary schools have no staff, so if you would like to volunteer, your help will be very appreciated.
Some parting thoughts from our panelists:
Reba Tierney, librarian at Waltham High School, spoke movingly about the impact books can have on young people. “I’ve had students come to me and say, ‘Reading this book really made me feel like I see myself.’ When kids see themselves, it’s so powerful.” On the flip side, banning books about people who look like them, Tierney pointed out, can make young people feel ashamed.
Jennifer Varney, librarian at Martin Luther King Jr. School in Cambridge, added: “It’s crucial to have books that reflect who they are; with characters that look like them. Books are key to teaching empathy and to understanding other people.” Moreover, if you “limit access to information, they can’t have informed opinions. They need to be exposed to ideas that come from different perspectives.”
Laura Saunders, a faculty member at Simmons University, added some encouraging words: “I am optimistic because librarians really do care. We have a long history of resisting censorship. We are a group of professionals committed to this work. There is something to be said for parents having some input about what is right for their kids. But most people are not supportive of banning books. I am fairly optimistic that we are going to see the pendulum swing back. It is important because it gets to freedom of speech; our right to exist; to have our own ideas.” She added that although at the university level, schools are losing funding and being asked to scrub their websites of any references to DEI, and a lot is happening that doesn’t bode well, she “wants to believe that if people are willing to speak up and push back,” the situation will change. “I need to be hopeful,” she concluded.
Many thanks to our panelists and to our moderator, Barb Fecteau, of the Beverly High School Library.
Support freedom of speech and the power of the word!
Therese (she/her/hers)
Judy (she/her/hers)
Didi (she/her/hers)
Leading Ladies Executive Team