Library votes to keep book

I am sure this will not be the last time we hear from Mr. Cohen. But, it will be tough for him to find a more controversial book to protest. I know he loves Halloween and Christmas, so I expect a letter to the editor soon about these pagan/secular holdiays.


Library votes to keep controversial book
By ALANA LISTOE - Independent Record - 10/22/08
Carole Byrnes, chairwoman of the Lewis and Clark Library Board of Directors, said banning books from library shelves is censorship.

Byrnes, along with the other four board members, voted to retain the book, “The Joy of Gay Sex,” in the library’s collection with unrestricted access at a meeting Tuesday night.

After reading the book Byrnes acknowledged that the pictures and descriptions were graphic, but she viewed it as an instructional, education manual.

The request to remove the book from the library’s circulation came from Helena resident Paul Cohen, who said the book was “pornographic.” He said the library is negligent of providing a “safe place” for children and adolescents when they have access to the material.

The library’s collection review committee and Director Judy Hart reviewed the book and library policies and ultimately recommended keeping the book, saying it is the library’s obligation to provide information to all segments of society.

Dissatisfied with the decision, Cohen appealed to trustees in August and a public hearing was held last month.
The board received and reviewed about 200 written submissions on the matter.

Library policy says that no material will be excluded from consideration because of race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, political or social view of the material, the author or the intended audience. The policy also states that no materials will be removed because of controversy.

Cohen said the policy is in error if it says anything can be put on the shelves for anyone to look at.

He said after the meeting he wasn’t surprised by the decision to retain the book, however said the notion that things, such as books, can’t be judged is “absurd.”

Board member Jesse Franzen said according to policy, library patrons are free to select or reject materials for themselves or their own minor children, but not free to restrict the freedom of others to read or inquire.

“Only parents and guardians, not the library, have the right to guide and direct the reading, listening and viewing choices of their own minor children,” Franzen said the policy states. “I believe the library policies have been followed impeccably with grace and great respect, and again I thank our staff. I vote in approval of our director’s decision.”

Hart said she was pleased with the decision and how the process was open for all participants.

She said board members read and listened to all policies, written and oral testimony and based their decision on policies.