What happens when a family refuses to bring back a book?

I recently read a news story about a 15-year-old who refused to return a school library book. She and her grandmother didn’t think it was appropriate for high school students. I’m worried that this story may cause similar problems in our school or community. Is that kind of behavior common?

Yes, it’s a common form of censorship. In some states, refusing to return a library book is considered stealing, and it’s a misdemeanor. The student and her grandmother are taking matters into their own hands to avoid going through a formal reconsideration process. I’m sure that the case will eventually fall into the hands of the school administration, which will put pressure on the two to return the book. In the meantime, I’d suggest you rush out and purchase another copy of the book. Since the story made the local newspaper, students will probably be lining up to read the book.

It’s always possible that someone will see the story and search your collection for the book in question. I suspect the title you’re referring to is Ellen Wittlinger’s Sandpiper (S & S, 2005), which was removed from a high school library in Tuscaloosa, AL. I’d encourage you to share the news story with your students and booktalk the novel. After they’ve had a chance to read it, discuss the case with them. That way, you’re letting them know that you respect their opinions. Students should also be informed of the district’s reconsideration policy.

A couple of grown-ups were recently in our public library’s children’s room putting bookmarks in some of our books. When I asked if I could help them, they fled. It turns out they had put bookmarks with a Christian message in a number of fairy tales, scary stories, and nonfiction works about witchcraft and vampires. What do you think they were up to?

They may have been part of an organized group. The couple probably had a list of specific titles and subjects to look for. There’s no way you can really know what they were up to unless they lodge a formal challenge. Since they fled, they’re probably trying to intimidate the staff. Make sure your colleagues are prepared to deal with future incidents like this. For starters, you should remove the bookmarks immediately. The last thing you want to happen is for children to feel threatened about their reading choices.

I’m a fan of being as proactive as possible, so I’d encourage you to set up an information session for parents: tell them about their children’s rights and the many services you offer youngsters. You might also schedule an open house in the children’s room and encourage families to browse the collection. That’s a great way to familiarize parents and children with your entire collection and gain support for the library. Finally, ask your young patrons if they’d like to adopt a specific section of the collection. Then, booktalk some of those titles.

Our English teachers don’t want us to circulate the novels that they teach. The reason? They’d rather not have their students reading the books ahead of time. What should I tell them?

This is such an old argument. First, let them know that the purpose of a school library is to provide students open access to age-appropriate materials. My advice? Tell the teachers it never hurts for students to read a book more than once. After all, a teacher’s job is to help kids notice things they wouldn’t have noticed on their own. A good example is Lois Lowry’s The Giver (Houghton, 1993), a popular novel that’s often taught in middle school. I’ve had sixth graders read the book solely for its story line. Then, the following year, when they studied it in seventh grade, they were able to grasp its complex themes a little better. Novels that are taught in school should always be multilayered—that way, students are guaranteed a deeper reading experience even if they’ve already read the book.