The Dots Connect to the American Library Association: UPDATED

 

"Plenty of Hugs" by Fran Manushkin

Here is an excellent article on how our local libraries have drastically changed:

Not Your Mama's Library

From the article:

"The field of librarianship is not what it used to be. A librarian has typically been known as kind, helpful, and not at all controversial, but the culture of the field has changed. Instead, your typical librarian today may be an individual with brightly colored hair, pronouns on his or her name tag, and a repertoire of “inclusive” books to put on display or suggest for your kids. She may resemble an activist more so than an actual librarian. It is also likely your librarian has a degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program which makes him or her a “certified” librarian in your state. This is a requirement for the majority of librarian jobs in the country, and it is the primary reason that you may see inappropriate and agenda-driven material in your local library, even if you thought it could never happen there."

And as an added bonus, read this article from Montana:

Library Commissioners concerned about national association’s new ‘Marxist lesbian’ president

 "The Montana State Library Commission will consider withdrawing from the American Library Association later this summer after a state commissioner raised concerns — splashed in right-wing media outlets — the president-elect is a “self-proclaimed Marxist.”

 UPDATE: The Montana State Library Commission has withdrawn from the ALA.

Citizen participation was vital. From the article:

"As demonstrated by nearly an hour of public comment before Tuesday’s vote, the Montana State Library’s separation from the ALA is the latest development in a broader debate about the nature of books available in public schools and libraries. Several prominent members of the self-styled parental rights movement spoke in favor of the withdrawal, including Bozeman parent Cheryl Tusken and Moms for Liberty Montana chapter treasurer Jessie Browning. Both testified regularly during the 2023 Montana Legislature in support of proposals such as House Bill 234, the state’s so-called obscenity bill."