Well, another library, The Vonnegut Memorial Library, is not amused. According to News-Leader.com, the library is helping to make 150 copies of the novel available to Republic, MO, high school students. All they have to do is ask for a free copy.
In a note labeled “stop the madness” on the library’s website, Whitehead wrote an anonymous donor provided 150 new copies of the controversial book for students in the Greene County school district.Those unfamiliar with what happened in Republic, MO, should click on the article for how and why something like this happened there. Too, the article includes a quote from the author of the other book that was pulled out of the high school library at the same time that the Vonnegut title was removed. And,, school board superintendent Vern Minor points out what some will see as a reasonable compromise to the whole issue of banning books from the school library. Take a look.
“We think it’s important for everyone to have their First Amendment rights,” Whitehead wrote. “We’re not telling you to like the book… we just want you to read it and decide for yourself.”
Thanks for the link here. I did check out the Vonnegut Memorial Library. Looks like a place I should visit some day.
ReplyDeleteSchool boards, ah school boards. I think I've already mentioned Twain's thoughts on school boards here. He was so right on that one.
People continue to amaze me with their level of silliness, James...guess they always will.
ReplyDelete