i knew of these things happening in libraries with increased frequency, so, i searched my grdaughter’s library system and local library FB pages, in attempt to avoid any such content or experience.
the library system here is centered in Seattle, so, it was no surprise to find some of these displays featured. outside Seattle, on their local library FB page, i found “hat tips” to the “cause,” but no events planned.
i went to the local library with the child. this visit, we were looking for a few particular titles.
we asked the young librarian for help, she was helpful, but, somehow, seemed ill-at-ease over “something,” i had no idea what that would be. we focused on our book search.
we requested historical fiction as a category, and, specific titles of, Gone with the Wind, To Kill a Mockingbird, Number the Stars, and, author, Mark Twain. my grdaughter reads tons! we left with a stack of books, the librarian suggested several titles. i sincerely thanked the librarian for her time and help.
later that evening, the child giggled and pointed out a book about homosexual teens.
i was shocked.
that sweet, demure, little librarian silently sneaked that book, and one other, to my grdaughter’s trusting arms, as i was looking away. how completely underhanded. now, i felt i had a better idea of what that odd feeling was about her. SHE DECIDED SHE knew “what was best” for the child, AND, she conveyed the message, “come here to go around your stupid family.”
i was so disgusted.
i gave the books to my daughter. i told her what happened. she read.
later, we talked.
she told me that book was unfit on every level. filled with dirty language.
i told her, i noticed, reviewing teen books in their fav local bookstore, foul language seems “the literary norm” for that age group.
.. almost forgot. the child told her mother, she noticed, the librarian was very “chatty” about all the books, EXCEPT those 2. with those, she silently added them to the stack of books, not a word mentioned. loss of respect for librarians is a painful loss.
even before the child began school, i warned my daughter to “get in front of” all lessons and reading in school, to not wait until her daughter brings it home, that’s too late.
i realize, that is not always easy.
thankfully, the child is open and honest, she is not secretive. so far.
when i say i grieve for today’s parents, i mean it.
my daughter is planning to visit with the local head librarian to discuss this encounter.
i hope she does.
i do not expect she will get a response we would hope for, but, i think it’s ok to be honest about expectations of trust in settings designed to serve “everyone’s” children, paid with everyone’s combined tax dollars.
Now, the ditch.
