Librarians in the National News

Yes, I realize it has been a while since the story about Governor Palin inquiring about the banning of books hit the national news. What I do know is that it is important for intellectual freedom fighters to be aware of her past and the freedoms she is placing in jeopardy.

A colleague of mine works in Alaska with the fired librarian in question and can guarantee that the controversy is not a "smear campaign" and is in fact, true. She directed me and other colleagues to the blog Librarians Against Palin which discusses the controversy in terms of librarians and library lovers. My colleague also works The bit about the banned books list is wrong but who knows what she had in mind when she posed the question and made her decision to fire the Wasilla librarian?

As of this writing there are 6 FaceBook groups of Librarians against Sarah Palin, with one of those apparently being humorous. There is also 1 group of Librarians in favor of Palin. The largest group found is Community Organizers against Palin which has over 2,500 members.

I would also like to point out that while Librarians are encouraged to embrace diversity and be accepting of all lifestyles and beliefs, Palin indicates she will "tolerate" gays in our country according to her recent debate. Tolerate?! I turn to AfterElton's commentary on the topic. There are links to the debate in that blog post. There's also ample evidence to annoy many people available on YouTube.

I am very aware that some of my colleagues may support Palin--and I do not question their right to vote as they choose. I'm also aware that many people are saying that all the VP debate did was create solidarity within the parties, rather than sway any uncommitted voters.
I do not wish to alienate any of my colleagues but want everyone to be aware of some of the issues surrounding Palin from a librarian's standpoint, and why it is important to take a long look at her before casting a vote for a McCain/Palin ticket.

I'm being targeted

Well, this has been a very interesting week. I received an unwelcome comment on the book return post that I have refused to publish. I also received a similar comment on a post I did on another blog. Ain't it grand being hated?

I am feeling targeted and am uncomfortable. Perhaps I shouldn't be saying that
because the obnoxious and rude right wingers probably have me on their list.

I have made the decision to return to being a somewhat anonymous blogger here because of these
posts. I don't want to be maltreated or have my property vandalized. I am entitled to my
opinion and have every right to post my thoughts. I do not have to post someone else's
thoughts about a topic. Thus, I moderate my blog.

It's my blog--if you want to be mean and hateful
go blog on your own space!

Huzzah! Books return to NPL Shelves!

Huzzah and congrats to the Nampa Library on the Board's decision to place the "controversial" books back on the shelves! Read what the Idaho Statesman posted today.

I am so pleased that the books are back on the shelves and appreciate everyone's efforts in Nampa to keep the library going during this extended controversy.

I also appreciate the ACLU for stepping in and bringing the needed legal force to bear on the situation. We now have the true freedom to read and chose materials which are appropriate for ourselves and our children!

Pnla preconference: the young and the restless

Aaron Schmidt rocks as always! Not so much gaming info this time
around but always fun and new stuff. We had a great session which
highlighted vids from the Boise focus project and breakout sessions
for discussion of ways to improve services for digital natives.
The panel had Darlene from Parma high school, Tina from Jerome public
and Memo from BSU. Good work going on there!
I'm posting with a view....

Mobile testing

I'm testing my ability to blog with my phone.....

trustee resigns

Although I'm elated the board trustee, Skaug, has resigned, I am concerned about the next trustee appointment.
I have no idea who may be appointed or where they stand on intellectual freedom and diversity.
www.idahopress.com has the story --(unfortunately with only a 14 day online access without a subscription.)
will this move initiate a revisitation of the sex books debate? Will this be the first step to an GLBTQ inclusive diversity policy for the city of Nampa?
Let's hope so!! Let the celebration begin!

Now that I'm calmer....

Last night the Nampa Public Library Board, in a special session, decided to permanently remove two controversial books from access to the general public.
The Idaho Statesman and Idaho Press-Tribune both had reporters in attendance and although some of the "he said" "she said" is attributed incorrectly--that's mostly what happened. Ultimately, decisions were made to restrict access and to "protect" minors. I use the term "protect" because that is what the majority of the board believes they are doing.

I was there and witnessed this travesty as well as heard the truth of the failings of our noble board members. I wasn't surprised that Skaug proposed changes to the library policies -- what surprised me was the lack of awareness these opponents of intellectual freedom have as board members. Yes, Keller, Skaug and Levi admitted that they have not read all of the documents pertaining to intellectual freedom specifically named in the library's collection development policy after all this time dealing with the controversy!! In fact, one of Skaug's proposed changes was to remove the paragraph in the policy which named the documents -- because, he says, the ALA is "too political." Please-- who is being political here?

What about Ms. Levi's invasion of patron privacy? As a trustee should she not just mind her own business rather than the business of a couple discussing a controversial book in the library? I could go on with this but perhaps we should give her credit for blindly seconding everything Skaug proposed. Or the fact that she is aware of the Vagina Monologues and doesn't want anyone she knows exposed to it--clearly she doesn't understand the purpose of theater much less this particular work and its cause to educate and empower. (see V-Day.org)

I do believe that Keller wants to move forward and beyond this controversy. He believes, however naively, that these steps will end the controversy. To me it seems that each step the board takes to restrict access is another step towards the elimination of all freedom in the library.

I applaud Reilly and Myers! They still stand for the rights of the people and the community of Nampa. They stand on the front lines of this battle and must sit next to those who oppose libraries, intellectual freedom, and the rights of adults to decide for themselves and their children what to access in a public library. Cheers to them for trying to educate their fellow board members. Thank you for representing the American rights we all have.

What I've been up to...

I've not posted in a while since I've been surrounding myself with HTML code and javascript in the final stages of website redesign at my library. It still amazes me how much work is put into a redesign and home many different items need to be checked in preparation for beta testing and launch. I can hardly wait to launch and just fine tune the new site as needed.

It's also been interesting trying to maintain focus with Summer Reading just around the corner. :) I think I'll be Tonks for the kickoff carnival-- and yes, I refuse to remember book 7.

I went to Florida a few weeks ago for my great aunts memorial service and was able to spend quality time with my fabulous cousins. I'm uploading pics to flickr now and plan to use my full quota for the month.

With Memorial Day fast approaching I really need to decide if I want to plant a vegetable garden this year. My perennial flowers are coming in just fine and the giant sunflowers have already started themselves. Groceries are spendy so I probably should--I'm just not motivated to be a gardener right now--is it the heat? The watering? Do I just want to play and read all the time?

I'm learning to drive a real motorcycle (that requires shifting) and I've started Tai Chi again.

So really, it's all good and I'll be posting regularly soon.