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From: Don_from_AZ <djatechNOSPAM@comcast.net.invalid>
Newsgroups: rec.arts.sf.written
Subject: Re: Books Banned in Utah.
Date: Fri, 09 Aug 2024 09:20:01 -0700
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>>> I would mind however, if Mein Kampf, Maos red book or Das Kapital were
>>> banned. I think those books are pure garbage, but at least it should be
>>> possible for everyone to form his own conclusion, and Das Kapital is also
>>> interesting from a history of philosophy point of view (which I personally
>>> enjoy).
>>
>> Agreed, but i'd also want librarians to explain the context behind it.
>> The same as they should do with any other book.
>> --scott
>
> This is sensitive to me. If I'm in the library I would definitely not
> have someone review and tell me what to think about what I read. I
> would like to reach my own conclusions.
>
> How is this context explaining done in todays libraries in the US?
> When I last visited a library to borrow a book, several decades ago,
> the process was:
>
> 1. Find book.
> 2. Take book to check out counter.
> 3. Take book home and read.
>
> No lecturing, in fact, no one even cared. On the other hand... if the
> library had a service where I could go and discuss the book, that
> would actually be quite nice!

When I was growing up in Woodbury NJ I got my science fiction books at
the local library. I don't recall any specific "children's section" but
I did have to go to the librarian at the desk to check out books, and
they could theoretically have told me the book was too "mature" for me
and prevented me checking it out, or given me some context. None ever
did, as I recall.

In my local library here in Arizona, you pick your book from the
shelves, walk over to a computer terminal, scan your card, scan the
book's bar code, and walk out. No vetting, no discussion.

  -Don-