Interesting. It's Banned Book Week and, ironically, I was advised NOT to read from my book The Amish vs. the Zombies at the October 31 Zombie Fest I'm doing for the Cannon Beach Library.
Huh?
Okay, so it seems this is a private/non-profit library, not a public library, and is, therefore, run by a board of directors. AND, it seems that one of the board members, of whom I was told is a high profile citizen of the community (read: money-shaker, policy maker), disapproved of the book. [The person obviously should NOT be in the library "business" and doesn't get the concept of "freedom of expression".] They haven't even read my book!
Okay, so it seems this is a private/non-profit library, not a public library, and is, therefore, run by a board of directors. AND, it seems that one of the board members, of whom I was told is a high profile citizen of the community (read: money-shaker, policy maker), disapproved of the book. [The person obviously should NOT be in the library "business" and doesn't get the concept of "freedom of expression".] They haven't even read my book!
Not only do they not get "zombies," but they highly disapproved of "making fun of the Amish." Which I do NOT do. I show great respect and accuracy.* But even if I did, the library carries material that I'm not all that fond of either. Should one person have such power?
Regardless, this is censorship. None-the-less, I agreed not to read from the book. I'll read from "Voodoo Virus" where I expose the falsehood in Hoodoo. Isn't that "bashing a religion"?
Regardless, this is censorship. None-the-less, I agreed not to read from the book. I'll read from "Voodoo Virus" where I expose the falsehood in Hoodoo. Isn't that "bashing a religion"?
*And not only do I show respect for the Amish faith, I examine, without judgement, their position on pacifism (presenting three options of reaction to a predator threat that might be taken--flee, fight, and be eaten). The book is about making individual choices, forgiveness, and redemption.
What do YOU think?
Unacceptable! If I were a local I would certainly pay this person a visit and offer up more information to them. They are being narrow minded. I am inclined to suspect that there are other topics covered in the "library" that I would find objectionable. How can one person disclude a book they haven't even read? I would love to contact this person, even from my distance, to suggest to them that they educate themselves fully before making a call like this. Of course, one could go in and complain about books that one does not approve, but I do believe in non censorship. Sad. Once again, PCness has reared its ugly head.
ReplyDeleteThank you Suzi for your support. I have decided to address this anonymous person via the only way I know how--a letter "to the board member who..." Yes, the need to be informed. But I must be sensitive, as the person [library manager] who told me about them could be fired if I don't handle it correctly.
ReplyDeleteTHE LETTER I SENT
ReplyDeleteTo the Library Board Members to Whom It May Concern:
When Buddie asked that I NOT read from my book The Amish vs. the Zombies at the upcoming Zombie Fest I was immediately surprised and asked why. I would never expect such a request from a library—one of our nation’s premiere bastions for freedom of speech. But I learned that this was not a “public” library, but a private/non-profit one. I also learned that a volunteer board of directors—small group of community people—call the shots and, therefore, censorship can/does occur based on their biases.
This happened, ironically, during Banned Book Week, a time when we are encouraged by the National Library Association to read books that have been prohibited somewhere at some time.
It’s been said that “you should never judge a book by its cover.”
Nor should the title be a call for censorship. After all, we might not be inclined at all to ban a book simply called “My Struggle” and yet, perhaps if we’re banning books, this title (translated from Mein Kampf), by Adolph Hitler) should be one that’s restricted.
My book, The Amish vs. the Zombies, isn’t at all what one might expect from the title; nor was the book Amish Vampires in Space, which I once read. Both books are well researched and accurately represent the faith of the “Pennsylvania Dutch.”
MY book is an examination of how a group of avowed pacifists might react to a predator threat. Some stand by their convictions by doing nothing (and some of them are eaten though some are not), some choose to go against the Ordnung and fight, others see fleeing as the best option. I make no judgement call as to which choice is right; the decision as to the best option is left to the reader.
Furthermore, in the midst of this framework the story is a coming of age tale in which the central character, doubting her faith, comes to value it. Several characters encounter forgiveness and redemption. I do NOT “make fun of the Amish.” But, then, you’d know all that if you’d actually read the book before making a snap judgement. [A copy has been provided for your reading.]
Having said all that, what it really comes down to is the selfish act of censorship, regardless of the material. There are times and places for restricted access—as a parent I want control over what my children view or read—but, in the American democracy, the library is NOT one of them. This is not communist China!
Frankly, I don’t like some of the material in the Cannon Beach library, nor have I always liked the language or concepts presented by authors appearing at the library, but I would not abuse any power I might wield to restrict the rights of others to that material.
For more information/education (you could use it) I recommend beginning here:
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/censorshipfirstamendmentissues
In my defense,
Gregory E. Zschomler, author
I received this letter today:
ReplyDeleteHello Gregory,
Sorry for taking so long to get back to you. Our board members were asked to read your book and respond back to us about your letter by the 15th.
The board members understand your concerns and would like you to include a reading of your book during the event. We are really looking forward to your Zombie Fest. We appreciate you thinking of the Library for your event.
Regards,
Judy Wood & Kathe Leduc
Co-Presidents