I agee, when i went to school , it was up to the "LIBRRARIES", if we were old enough, to check out a book, if not we had to have a note, from our parents....It should always be up to the parents....

I agree with what's already been said. I don't think there should be any banning of books. But there should be guidelines and be ways of moderating books so it's age appropriate. Especially for younger than high-school.

No! I am think of it this way. If a book is banned today. What next! It is always the responsibility of a librarian or information specialist, parents, and teachers to make a suggestion of books based on the age and maturity of a child.

Freedom is the key, but check what your young child is reading or watching.

Our school library has district guidelines it must follow. For example, only fourth and fifth graders can check out certain books, and other books, like the last two Harry Potter books, are not there at all.

Parents get crazy when their kids bring home inappropriate books from school. The older kids have to have written permission to check out Harry Potter at all, which I find ridiculous, but that's what the fundamentalist Christians in our school have driven the district to.

However, our public libraries do not ban books. It is the responsibility of the parents to accompany their younger children to the library to help them select age-appropriate materials. Parents aren't with their kids at the school library, and what may be acceptable in the eyes of the librarian may not be OK in the eyes of a parent. That's why the restrictions are much more strict at school.

Kayrom1 brings up Harry Potter. My son's middle school has most of the Harry Potter books on their "banned" list of books, as well. However, the books are still in the school library. Personally, I would love it if my son were to read the Harry Potter series.

I can understand school libraries making restrictive choices of books. It certainly doesn't make sense to have books high school students read in an elementary school. However, I don't think books should be "banned" from school libraries either.

It is a parents job to teach their child what they can and can't read. I agree with different reading levels and all, and I don't think schools should waste money on books that their kids can't read yet because of reading level, but banning books is the schools parenting the students. It is our job to set rules for our children and our jobs to inforce them. My children follow my rules even when I'm not around because they know I will find out and they are going to be in even more trouble. I do not doubt that my 6 year old will choice a book that I would approve of, at book stores he says this book looks cool but I know I'm not allowed to get it, why would a library be any different?

Can someone explain to me why the Harry Potter books are on banned lists? I'm severely out of the loop on this one.

Okay, I just called my son's middle school to find out why the Harry Potter books were on the "banned" list.

First, this week is National Banned Books week, and many schools in the LAUSD are celebrating by posting a list of books that were and are "banned." (Harry Potter, Captain Underpants, Huckleberry Finn) Although these books are still on the shelves and can be checked out by the students. If a parent doesn't agree with their child reading a particular book from the "banned" list, the child would exchange the book.

It's also a way of demonstrating that we take for granted the wide variety of topics and books that's available to read. Peoples in other countries do not always have the same freedoms as we do in the USA.

Specifically regarding Harry Potter, the librarian told me that some of the schools in the Orange County area have actually removed the books, because parents thought Harry Potter encouraged children to turn to devil worship.

So, there you have it. Happy Reading!!!

tjlove, a lot of fundamentalist Christians feel Harry Potter goes against Christian teachings by referring to witchcraft and the like. Many people think a lot of the characters are symbolic of the devil and his teachings. While I would say most of us don't agree with that perception, somehow their influence has gotten into the schools to the point that they have banned the books.

I can see why our school doesn't have the last two books -- there's a fair amount of violence and they're not really appropriate for the age group as a whole. However, it's the parents' choice as to whether their chidren read them. (And it's rather silly overall, since I'm sure most kids in that age group have seen the movies.) I think it's ridiculous that parents are required to sign a permission slip for any of the HP books to be checked out, but that's how it is here in Middle America. I doubt you'd see such restrictions in California, for example.

There's really no reason why HP should be singled out for such restrictions. There are any number of similar books out there now that could fall into very similar categories ("Eragon," for one) that don't have such restrictions on them. For that matter, even the "Chronicles of Narnia" books could be construed as a questionable type of fantasy by some, but since they were written by a Christian minister, they get a pass.

I think the whole HP thing is overblown, but people go along with it just to make peace with the Christian Right.

JMO, of course.

I am a christian, and i think most books are okay. The stuff they see of T.V, PLUS, some cartoons, should be banned, if you ask me. It is the parents, who need to monitor, what their children read or watch. My son knows the difference between right and wrong. He can watch a "movie" that i think is "GROSS", and i and he know, it is just a movie, he is not going to run out and do what they did. Same with books.

I too am a Christian. I don't think the HP books should be banned. Sure they should be age appropriate. I wouldn't mind if my children were to read them. I would either read it with them so if they have questions they can ask or if they decided to read it on their own I would make sure they knew the difference between reality and fantasy. I haven't read these books but it's nothing to do with being a Christian as it is not interested in fantasy.

I don't believe a show or a book can make someone worship the satan. I believe when the parents are involved with what their children watch or read they will be fine no matter what they read or watch.

Not saying children should watch/read something with a lot of violence. I am saying though age appropriateness and being an involved parent is the key.

exactly "jsillymom" a book is a book, a movie is a movie....my son loves, certain books, that just "CREEP" me out. But he is not a violent teen. Most all of this stems from all the school shooting and then the kids --cop- the plea-that the VIDEO, or movie,..made me do it or gave me the idea...

Thanks everyone for the information. As an English/Creative Writing major, it's hard for me to understand why people fight so hard to ban books, instead of teaching their children to avoid the material they find offensive. But I really don't want to turn this into a conversation about religious beliefs!

MSMomm, you're onto me! I posted this question in honor of banned books week and will be posting more on the topic throughout the week. It's great to hear that your son's school is taking part.

I agree with the sentiment that it gives us a chance to reflect on how much freedom we have compared to other countries. That's something I probably take for granted more often than not.

If you want to learn more about Banned Books Week, here's the link to the American Library Association's page for it: tinyurl.com/4mmfk6

And feel free to post your own questions on the subject!

I am sorry TJlove if I came off trying to get into debate. That wasn't my intention at all. I was just stating that not all Christians feel that way. Again I apologize.

Oh no! I didn't mean to imply that, Jsillymom!!! I'm so sorry- and apologies to anyone else who interpreted my post that way. I hope I didn't offend anyone. It was more of a comment about my own post than anything.
Please, carry on!!

no you didn't offend me :). I just wasn't sure if that is how I came off :). No harm no foul.

Phew!! :)

i was worried too, so we are all cool---good, so, like i said "My son, watches, and reads some "GROSS" stuff....and i think the book banned, came from bad kids gone wrong---cop-- a plea- that a video, or movie cause me to do it...i personally LOVE HARRY POTTER books.

LOL TJlove. It takes a lot to really offend me on the www. LOL. I honestly thought I came off the wrong way :). Sorry about :D. Now back to the regularly scheduled program LOL.

I think there are different groups of Christians around, one man I worked for was blown away that I would allow my then 4 year old to watch Harry Potter movies. My son understood that it was pretend, but this man who spoke everyday of being Christian asked me what I would do if my son started trying spells. I was scared away, I don't believe magic is real and there are a few groups of people (not just Christains) that believe it is and we need to keep children away from it in all forms. But hey, to each their own, just a little insight from my life.

TJ, I'm laughing as I read this because it sounds like such a preposterous notion. Alas, I know you are just stirring up a conversation for us to talk about :-)
... so here is my $.02

NO - firmly and decidedly No!

Books are the backbone of a learned society. When written knowledge can no longer be passed on, our culture, our civilization, our education... it all will go into a dark age transition.

I like digital media of course, it's easy to use, and smaller, and convenient, HOWEVER, that said, there is something to be said about turning the page of a book with paper pages. Should paper be made out of a renewable resource? Yes. Should libraries switch over to a digital format? Perhaps, but keeping some very special paper books in a preservation vault would be good too. Should people be able to buy paper books if they still wanted to even though the future might hold a primarily digital format? Yes, because there are some people who would really like that, and there are people who are against digitalization.

Should certain books be banned? NO
why? 1st Amendment, that's why. I believe in my right to speech and I believe in everyone else's right to speech, so by banning a book because of it's content (like some schools and libraries banned Harry Potter because of the sorcery involved), we're effectively saying that censorship is okay. And that's not okay.

So... the answer again, is no, no, no.

And TJ... thanks for the good conversation starter!!! :-)

MY son, LOVES Stephen king novels, and we are a christian family... he loves to read what keeps his attention...well he is reading!!!??? .....but he is not a moster...he loves harry potter, and a lot of others....and he is still a good kid...so, yes, i agree with Child_Of _Ra

Of course there are books that don't belong in a school library, but don't feel the same about a public library.

Only age appropriate books belong in school libraries. While this is easy to decide for elementary school kids, it's not so easy for high school.

I don't like the idea of banning, but would be abashed to see hustler magazines in the school's library! I guess the schools have to decide... and the fallout is the absurd notion of banning HP books. Wonder of Wizard of Oz would also be frowned upon :o

I really, think it is silly, parents, ought to get a grip... we talk to our children during shows, about what we approve of, and books should be the same way... NO, i don't think "PLAY-BOY" should be in schools, but i do remember when we had to have a note from our parents to check-out "NATION GRAPHIC"

My daughter's elementary school library often gets really good, coffee-table variety art books donated by well-meaning parents that pick them up on the discount rack at Borders or any other bookstore.

The librarian simply tapes the pages together that are not appropriate for some eyes, and leaves the pages in the books. They're Reference books and they have to be asked for directly from the librarian, but they're there. But this way, the kids can learn about many of the French Impressionists, but not get an eyeful of stuff they probably should be older than eight to see.

The librarian doesn't deface the book by cutting out the pictures, and the teachers are still able to utilize the text where necessary.

While I don't think books should be banned outright, I do support the thoughtful inclusion or exclusion of books based on the appropriateness of the intended audience.

I do also, she should but these books, where little ones can not reach them....

As a general statement, books should not be banned from school libraries and public libraries. Common sense on the part of the parents is essential in determining what their school aged child reads. For the most part, I believe elementary school librarians understand what's appropriate reading material for their students. Again, it's up to the parents to make the final determination as to what's appropriate reading material for their own kids.

What an interesting question tjlove. I would have to definitely side on the argument against book burning. I think that it is a personal choice when it comes to reading material for our children. However, I do believe it is a school issue to have age appropriate books available. It all goes back to that old saying "Don't believe everything you read."

Book burning, really reminds me of a book I read about a nation, who let a small group of people make big group decisions. As the books burned a member of their "party" realized what a horrible mistake they had made. Unfortunately he was unable to do anything about it, and he sat idly by with tears rolling down his face. Very good book!!

Normally I am not so zealous about such topics, but as an avid reader I am against banning/burning books at all costs.

The world of books and reading have changed over the years. Banning books will not solve the evils of this world. As a Christian, I definitely disapprove of many books my son's school library displays, but take a look at the magazines displaying almost nudity at the check-out in the supermarket and the department stores where we shop with our children. I have three boys and I taught them what is appropriate to read and what is not in and out of school. I also choose the check-out with the least or no magazines. Thank you, tjlove, for voicing this very important question. It helps us to open up and be more aware of what been presented to our children.

That is exactly what i was saying 2 or 3 post back, they see STUFF all the time, all we can do is guide them...the world is the world,...i consider my-self a chistian, and having a son that is 15 , we (him and i) talk openly about sex, and other stuff...you can not protect your child, from the world--in my opion, if you do you just make them sneaky, and more curious. I have (kinda) friends, who wont let their children do or watch ANYTHING!!! and i believe, you are just making that child00wonder, what they are missing...

No, I do not believe that books should be banned by schools or libraries. I feel that is an infringement on our rights as a whole. What is in a book is also obtainable via internet, so if you ban a book, why not ban the internet or television and movies! Parents and teachers can monitor what their children are reading, and most librarians know what books are age appropriate.

NO! Our children will only learn with knowledge. Protecting them from words will not build them as self sufficient adults. They need to learn all the fabulous things AND bad things this world has to offer! They will make it a better place with knowledge and if they know how to defend their opinion

The idea of eliminating books in schools is absolutely insane! Through reading we have the ability to grow our imagination, gain new perspectives, and with non fiction, we can benefit from the experiences of others. Reading is a foundational block of learning, and books are most obviously the primary format of the written word.

I agree to the wonders reading can do, jen, to expand the mind of the young and old alike.

Good point. If we shield children of the "bad" things with no explanations as to why, then they may grow up and get into the very same things we were protecting them from.

You are right. Not only books pose a potential danger to our children, it's also the internet and the television. And I treat them the same way I do for books.

I feel that books with sexual suggestions and profanity should be banned from our schools. Kids today have more exposer to these situations by internet and tv...why should we condon them in our schools by putting these type of books in the library?

I agree to a certain point, first of all "sexual suggestive books"--YES--to a point, that is based on age, and content of the book....not for little kids---profanity--yes--to a point, depends , on the book, and the age of the child....They hear worse on the "school bus"

Absoultely Not!! Very often books are the only way some children are introduced to different societies, cultures, and nations. Books make us think, and feel things that had not occured to us before. Books can show us were we have been, were we are, and were we are headed. To ban any book is something that should make us feel ashamed. It is just wrong!!!
We need to teach our children how to make good selections when picking books to read. If books are banned how do children learn to make choices??
NO, NO, and again I say NO!!!!!