Senate Bill number 2421, sponsored by Senators M. Teresa Ruiz and Andrew Zwicker, is making its way through the New Jersey Legislature. In a case of typical leftist overstatement, if passed, it will bear the name “Freedom to Read Act.” A more accurate title would be the “Make Porn Permanent Act.” A Verbal Slight-of-Hand Trick … Read more
An old, inaccurate, yet remarkably durable image of the public librarian is a middle-aged spinster with reading glasses secured by a small chain around her neck perched on her nose. For her, quiet is not just a state of being but a command that exudes from every pore. She chooses her clothes for utility rather … Read more
Librarians call it “weeding,” a long-standing—and legitimate—practice. Most school libraries have very limited space and must clear out shelves to make room for more titles. Usually, the process is a quiet one. Taxpayers don’t like to see expensive materials being thrown into landfills or incinerated. The Need to Weed The idea is simple: unlike public … Read more
Once upon a time, fairy tales were read, adventures in far off lands held readers captive, Mastering the Art of French Cooking was studied, and DIY books on home repair and improvement were readily available—all in a relatively safe environment. Public libraries were welcoming places for all to seek knowledge and wholesome entertainment. Parents would … Read more
That long-time leftist journal, The New Republic, published an article on the current controversy over pornography in children’s books. It is a masterpiece of confusion. Its author, Melissa Gira Grant, must have little grasp of how the debate developed, or she is deliberately trying to sow irrational chaos in her wake. Flawed Arguments Lead to … Read more
The current controversy over graphic and obscene content in school libraries is deadly serious. Just ask the Superintendent of Schools in Prosper, Texas. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal (“Texas District Spars Over Bid to Remove Books,” July 1, 2021) spotlighted this conflict, mirrored in school districts nationwide. Parents are getting more involved … Read more
