Answering Questions about Diverse Collections and Displays
The following resources and prompts were compiled by the Nassau Library System. We thank them for sharing their expertise.
**This may vary by library - you may wish to tailor these statements accordingly
Helpful Articles:
Useful Phrases at the Desk:
Questions about diverse books on display or on the shelves:
“Libraries are committed to intellectual freedom, which means giving families the tools they need to help their kids understand the world.”
“We support everyone’s freedom to choose what they want to read without restricting the user’s right to select the books they want to read.”
“Parents have the responsibility to make decisions about what materials are suitable for their own family.”
“Each family has the right to make reading choices/decisions for themselves.”
“We support all parents as they guide their child’s reading/library use”
“Libraries provide age/developmentally appropriate books on all topics.”
“We don’t make assumptions about what people need - we do our best to provide resources on every topic, including controversial ones.”
Why are there books with this type of content for kids, anyway?
“Our community has people from all walks of life, traditions, and experiences - libraries are proud to serve everyone who walks through our doors without judgment.”
“Everyone deserves to see themselves represented in the library.”
“Stories can help kids make sense of the world, and help parents find the words to answer their kids’ big questions.”
Who decides what books to buy? Or display?**
“We use a board-approved collection development policy.”
Follow-up: “Would you like to see a copy?”
“Displays are curated by certified professional librarians.”
“We feature many kinds of celebrations and special days on rotation over the course of the year.”
Patrons just “sharing their two cents” on the topic
“Thank you for sharing your concern/interest - I will share them with my supervisor.”
Follow-up: “Would you like to jot down your thoughts and/or contact information so I can pass them along?”
Direct questions about local incidents outside your library:
“We don’t comment on other library’s policies, but that is not how we operate here.”
Follow-up: Redirect patron back to library business - “What can I help you with today?”
Q: What is the difference between a challenge or banning?
A: A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others. Due to the commitment of librarians, teachers, parents, students and other concerned citizens, most challenges are unsuccessful and most materials are retained in the school curriculum or library collection.
For more questions and answers like this, visit the American Library Association FAQ (click here).
Q: What is the Library Bill of Rights?
A: As you have read about book censorship and bans, you have likely come across mentions of the Library Bill of Rights. The ALA Library Bill of Rights has seven points that, "affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services." You can view the Library Bill of Rights by clicking here.
Book Riot Article: A Censorship Language Primer
By Kelly Jenson, June 20, 2023
"It has been years since talking about the meanings behind words used to discuss book bans and censorship. Although we might all think we’re using the words the same way, in many cases, the nuance and gravity of language can be lost when the wrong word is used...."