Libraries and the Banning of Books
As a child, my parents couldn’t afford to buy my siblings and me books, so we regularly checked out tall stacks at the local library for free. Comfort, information, wonder, freedom, and libraries are all connected in my mind.
The first library I remember had a colorful, stationary merry-go-round with small individual desks replacing the typical horses on poles. There, we would explore books from the plentiful bookshelves surrounding us.
Every school I attended had small but mighty libraries; each had a set of Encyclopedia Britannica, Kids Britannica, and/or World Book Encyclopedia. These were fun to open to random pages and read something we knew nothing about. As I progressed through school, these encyclopedias became invaluable resources for my research papers.
One of my favorite libraries was in a small town, population 400, where I lived during the third and fourth grades. This library was above the garage that housed the town’s single fire truck. The library was a modest, bright room without a librarian. It was unlocked during the day, and anyone could enter. Checking out books was done by the honor system. I remember the heady feeling of being there by myself. I would pretend to be a librarian and check out books to imaginary patrons.
Libraries were places where I was free to make my own decisions. I don’t remember adults questioning my choices. When I was about ten or eleven, I felt brave enough to check out a book about human anatomy. I was curious about the differences between boys and girls. The librarian who checked my books that day didn’t question my choice, nor did my mother when I brought it home. My mother knew which books I was reading, but none were forbidden.
I often checked out books intended for older readers. I could read most of the words, however, I doubt I understood all of the concepts. I was fascinated with the characters' lives, the information found between the pages, and the diversity of thought.
Today, I continue to read for pleasure and information, and to learn about worlds different from mine. I am in two book clubs where we discuss books, often making connections or comparisons to our lives. Recently, one of my book clubs chose to read Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn in preparation for reading the recently published book James, by Percival Everett – a reimagining of the classic from the perspective of the book’s main character, Jim. Many club members had read The Adventures of Huck Finn in high school, but I had never read it.
The original version of Mark Twain’s book is about the exploits experienced by a young boy, Huck, who is running away from an abusive father. He pairs up with Jim, a runaway slave. Together, they navigate the Mississippi River on a raft towards freedom.
Some of the word choices Twain used in the story are offensive by today’s standards. Also, the two characters were treated in ways that would be unacceptable today.
That said, it was a wonderful story of how Huck and Jim care for each other, despite their different skin colors and life experiences. Most characters they encountered were con artists and people with few morals. Huck and Jim had inner compasses that helped them navigate their interactions with these sketchy people.
Published in 1885, the story has been considered to be “a masterpiece,” “the beginning of American literature,” and “one of the greatest American novels of all time.” Yet, one week after being published, it was banned by the Concord Public Library of Massachusetts. They said, “It was ‘trash’ and ‘suitable only for the slums’.” Though there has never been a universal ban on this book, it is the fourth most banned book in schools and is the 14th most banned book throughout the U.S. Frequent reasons for banning it were its offensive language and the stereotypical characterization of Jim, the slave.
Reading this book made the racism of the past more real to me and gave me a better understanding of how terrible it was. After 140 years, some of these issues written about in the book have not been resolved, and we have more to do if we want to change them. Our history is important to help us understand where we are today and determine our goals for the future.
The banning of this book made me think of the freedom I had growing up to choose the books I wanted to read. No book was off limits. Most of the books I read with controversial content were discussed with my mother, a teacher, or other caring adults. But not all of them. Even so, I was able to traverse through these books safely.
Banning books is counterproductive because they can be windows into the past and yardsticks for how far we have evolved. While it is important to realize not all books are worthwhile, I don’t believe it is necessary to ban questionable books.
“There are dishonest books, yes, bad books, lying books. Yet the more you read, the more you know how to judge the story you’re being fed. You learn how to find information. You become equipped to recognize the toxic nonsense that batters us like a tornado. Knowing more is better than knowing less.” Diane Roberts, Flamingo Magazine, 06.13.2023
What was your experience as a child? Did you have restrictions on what you could read? Share your experience in the comments.
Bit by bit, that’s all she wrote…
American Library Association: Get Involved https://www.ala.org/bbooks/bannedbooksweek/ideasandresources/activity
5 Ways to Fight Book Bans, PEN America