This post evoked vivid, sensual memories of the library in my home town. At age six, I was allowed to walk down and cross Main Street on my own. The librarian, who sat facing the heavy front doors and peered at you over her spectacles when you walked in, was intimidating, but no doubt would have been equal to heroism had anyone dared to question her authority. Here is to all the heroic librarians. I love the idea of sitting down legislators and reading aloud to them. Thank you for a timely and timeless post.
Thank you for this piece of history! What a courageous teacher/superintendent! As a high school student, I remember reading Sammy Davis Jr.’s autobiography from our school library which depicted the racism Davis experienced in the Army and entertainment world. It was eye opening to me as a kid in an all white community. I’m sure that book would be banned today.
Thank you--excellent article. Brought back many memories of the Sage Public Library in Osage, which let me decide what books I'd read (though I suspect there were a few phone calls made to my Mom, who would have said, "Let her decide what she's going to read.").
We forget how recently our freedoms were earned and how often we have had to fight for them in the past. As a kid who spent a fair amount of his youth with a back pack full of library books and spent lawn mowing money on late fees (It was difficult for me to get to my municipal library) I appreciate your thoughts and journey.
The surest way to get people to want to read a book is to ban it! Otherwise, many are unaware that it even exists. There are other ways than at a school or library to obtain a copy of a banned book.
This post evoked vivid, sensual memories of the library in my home town. At age six, I was allowed to walk down and cross Main Street on my own. The librarian, who sat facing the heavy front doors and peered at you over her spectacles when you walked in, was intimidating, but no doubt would have been equal to heroism had anyone dared to question her authority. Here is to all the heroic librarians. I love the idea of sitting down legislators and reading aloud to them. Thank you for a timely and timeless post.
Toasting all those heroic librarians!
Thank you Mary for Emerging Voices. Wonder article by Angie Carter. Libraries are essential!
Thank you for this piece of history! What a courageous teacher/superintendent! As a high school student, I remember reading Sammy Davis Jr.’s autobiography from our school library which depicted the racism Davis experienced in the Army and entertainment world. It was eye opening to me as a kid in an all white community. I’m sure that book would be banned today.
Wow, see what a book can do?
Thank you--excellent article. Brought back many memories of the Sage Public Library in Osage, which let me decide what books I'd read (though I suspect there were a few phone calls made to my Mom, who would have said, "Let her decide what she's going to read.").
A good mother.
What a lovely testimony to the crucial role of libraries! Thank you.
Mary, so on target, and of course well stated. I 100% agree with you. Ardy
We forget how recently our freedoms were earned and how often we have had to fight for them in the past. As a kid who spent a fair amount of his youth with a back pack full of library books and spent lawn mowing money on late fees (It was difficult for me to get to my municipal library) I appreciate your thoughts and journey.
I love this story!
Thank you, Angie. I took the same journey you did as a child, by reading books; lovely, wonderful books.
That's right, Kathi. Books are so important to a child.
👍
The surest way to get people to want to read a book is to ban it! Otherwise, many are unaware that it even exists. There are other ways than at a school or library to obtain a copy of a banned book.
Thanks for this!
Excellent! Book banners are never judged by history to be the "good guys."