The Columbia County Library Board discussed what to do about challenged books during their meeting on Tuesday, April 11.
Board chair Russell Wilder said it was proposed putting marking on the inside covers of challenged books. Marlena Bergeron, a board member, was against putting stickers or markings on the inside of the challenged books, claiming it would be like “putting a scarlet letter on books.”
“I don’t think the attention it’s going to get will be positive,” Bergeron said. “I don’t think the attention it’s going to get will be positive…I think there’s more collateral damage of it backfiring in unintended and unforeseen ways.”
Bergeron said the goal is to engage with the community, and the current policy is if there is a patron who has an issue with a book, they can approach the library staff to address the issue.
“We can also try to steer that patron toward materials that will be more onboard with them,” Bergeron said. “There are lots of things in the library that not all of us like and I think that’s part of America is that we have a whole melting pot of materials. So, there’s something for everybody. If there’s a couple of things someone doesn’t like, I think it’s important to find things you do like. I think putting a red sticker is going to cause more confusion and if we already have a policy, I think we should stick with the policy and make sure that the policy and procedures are clear to everybody who is a library user.”
Board member Lindsey Brantley said she would like to see the policy available at every circulation desk in all the libraries. Mary Lin Maner, county library manager, said when a person comes up to the circulation desk and states they don’t like a book, the person will get the manager, who will tell them about the policy and form for reconsideration. If, after talking with the manger, the person would still like to continue with the reconsideration, the form will be emailed to them.
The policy about reconsideration for books can be found online at gchrl.org under the collection development policy. The policy states for reconsideration states:
“Opinions and comments are welcome and may or may not be used in the selection process. However, for an item to be considered for removal or reshelving, the patron must make a formal complaint by filling out the Request for Reconsideration form (included in this policy). No other forms of complaint will be considered “formal.” The GCHRLS Manager and heads of department will review the item. The patron will be notified within five days after a decision has been made.”
If a patron is not happy with the results of the reconsideration, the person can request an appeal of that decision to the Regional Board of Trustees, according to the policy. The request will have to be in written form and accompanied by the reconsideration form.
“The patron will be informed once a decision has been reached as to whether or not a hearing will be granted, and will be notified when s/he may address the board. A meeting open to the public will be held, and The Regional Board of Trustees may vote to override or uphold the library’s decision,” according to the policy.
The board ultimately voted to not mark the books.
During the county library manager meeting, Maner said the 2nd annual Putt-Putt in the Stacks will June 7, the Columbia County, Harlem and Grovetown libraries as a Friends of the Library fundraiser. There will be six holes at the Harlem and Grovetown libraries and 12 at the Columbia County Library. She also said the library is getting ready for the summer reading program, which is expected to have some fun programs.
