Re: Restricted shelves in elementary schools (fwd)

[Betty Dawn Hamilton <bhamilt@TENET.EDU>]

Sherry Strickland wrote:
> Why do you care whether they "really" read them...after all, we aren't
> the Library Police.  Let them check them out; it's their choice, isn't
> it, whether they read it ALL or not.  How would you like the public
> library telling you when you check out something that they would question
> you as to see if you really read it or NOT!!!??

Good questions, Sherry! I guess the reason I care if they *really* read
or not is because I want them to get the whole picture. I feel they miss
the whole idea of reading if they just pick the page or pages that
contain the graphic violence or sex or profanity. At the middle school
age, they really get a kick out of showing those pages to other
students.  When they return the books, they fall open at the pages
they've passed around, yet they may not know what the story is about at all.

Also, the public librarian is in a considerably different postion than I
am.  I am a TEACHER and as teacher, I want my students to learn.  Being a
reader myself, I know how students can broaden their minds by reading;
and just checking the books out won't do that. I feel it is my obligation
as a part of the education system to assist teachers and administrators in
educating our young ones, and if that means I have to get them to read by
hook or crook, that's what I'll do!

I'll let the public librarians give them free reign to do as they please.
As a dedicated educator and a part of the education team, I can't do that.
Thanks for your response. By having to defend my stand, I have had to
crystallize my thinking.  Thanks again!

Betty
bhamilt@tenet.edu