EDITORIAL: Press offers eyes on book removals

You got it, Doug.

We’re referring to Rathdrum resident Doug Strong, who issued this call to The Press in a letter to the editor published last Sunday:

It appears we could have a new task for reporters at The Press. With the change in library trustees, the public needs to keep informed about books that these people choose to move or remove from circulation. We will also need to know about how to appeal such changes. I think it would be great to have a regular feature in the paper which lists books that are being moved or removed including titles, authors and the reasons for those actions. It would be a valuable public service, and you folks have the resources to gather and publish the information.

DOUG STRONG

Rathdrum

Managing Editor Maureen Dolan has asked Mike Patrick to earn his “editor emeritus” status and serve as the scorekeeper and contact person Mr. Strong requested. Here’s how this will work:

Mike is in touch with Community Library Network personnel to keep tabs on any books that are removed or even moved because of patron complaints. (Keep in mind that many books are removed from circulation simply because nobody is reading them.) Any such actions will be reported on the Opinion pages, with accompanying commentary when appropriate and instructions for possible appeals.

Mike also wants to hear directly from patrons who encounter instances of censorship or attempted censorship, much like what happened at Coeur d’Alene Library (an independent library, not part of CLN) several years ago. Back then, someone was essentially hiding books critical of President Trump or perceived as too liberal or immoral by the anonymous shifter.

That story brought renowned sports writer Rick Reilly to town for a talk and some free copies of his bestseller about Trump and his golfing tendencies, called “Commander in Cheat.” (Here’s a link to Reilly’s talk in November 2019: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74o0myUUNTY)

While Press staff will continue to cover all the major library issues and broader controversies, watch these pages for specific book moving or removing decisions within the Community Library Network.

Contact Mike directly: mpatrick@cdapress.com