Censorship and CYA library displays

This week I was reading Scholastic's list of banned children's books (Scholastic, 2019) which led me to think about censorship issues in the library related to the CYA area. I got thinking about book displays and how sometimes I have felt censored in the library displays I have created, sometimes even by other staff.  

I found an online article titled 'Censorship Beyond Books' (Price, ALA, 2019) from ALA's American Libraries magazine that wrote about library display censorship issues which provided me with some great learnings.  

So, what did I learn?

I read of children's librarian Laura Broderick's experience when she created a children's book display for the 'Black Lives Matter' movement.  The display was met mostly positively. When a complaint occurred, instead of the display being taken down, with support from her supervisors the display remained. Broderick even added more content to the display to provide more understanding for those who were confused at the positive intention.  

The article re-affirmed for me just how important it is to ignore those voices in your head that are trying to censor the display and do it anyway.  "When displays and reading lists are eliminated, people don’t see it as censorship, they see it as avoiding controversy. But it sends a powerful message to underrepresented communities that they are somehow inappropriate, that their voice doesn’t count" (Price, 2019).  Representation of underrepresented communities is vital in saying they count in the library.  

Broderick talks of the now expected annual complaints they receive for their CYA Pride Month displays.  Broderick suggests for librarians to always be prepared for such complaints and to prepare other circulation colleagues with a well rehearsed script for patrons.  Preparing colleagues for possible complaints is something I had never thought about when making displays but it is a great practice to get into in the future! 

How was the activity relevant to my professional practice working with children and young adults?

Reading this article about censorship issues relating to library displays was relevant to my own practice because it has helped me develop skills and strategies in the future for dealing with complaints regarding censorship issues.  “Handling complaints about library displays can be challenging but banning material just because some find it controversial is a violation of core constitutional principles.  A public library’s mission is to foster a culture of inclusion, open dialogue and tolerance” (NCAC, 2018).  I now have some key tips in creating displays and dealing with possible criticism.  

What gaps in my knowledge were revealed and how might I fill those gaps? 

ALIA's Statement on free access to information states, amongst other points, that it supports "catering for interest in contemporary issues without promoting or suppressing particular beliefs and ideas;" (ALIA, 2015).  I admit to have sometimes found myself careful of my selections in case someone might feel challenged by the books on display which is frustrating and unfair to the diverse community of readers and this censorship is something to actively be aware of in any future display I do. 

Reference list

ALIA. (2015). Statement on free access to information. https://www.alia.org.au/sites/default/files/documents/FreeAccessToInformation_2015.pdf

NCAC. (2018). Free expression and LGBT rights groups oppose LGBTQ display ban in Southern Utah.  https://ncac.org/news/press-release/washington-county-lgbtq 

Price, S. (2019, September 24). Censorship beyond books. American libraries magazine.  https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2019/09/24/censorship-beyond-books/

Scholastic parents staff. (2019). Groundbreaking children's books that have been banned. Scholastic.  https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/book-lists-and-recommendations/banned-books.html