[LM_NET] HIT: ELEM ONLY: Religious Books

[Geneva Johnson <johnsong@OWASSO.K12.OK.US>]

My original post:

“I am in a K-5 library and we have 3 (Gideon) Bibles in our collection, 
but no other texts of this nature.  I would like to add at least two more 
titles to give this area a little more balance.   The most obvious choices 
are the Koran & the Torah.  What do you (Elementary Libraries) have in this 
area? Where did you purchase them?”

I had 10 times more requests for HITS than I did responses. Most people 
found themselves in a situation similar to the one I find myself in.  We 
inherited a library that already has a Christian Bible, but no other 
‘religious’ texts.  The question we face is do we ‘weed’ the Bible 
(which in my case does circulate since we have AR quizzes through 
Enterprise) because we don’t have anything else (censorship??), or do we 
add something for balance.  I did have someone e-mail me confidentially and 
recommend that I only add non-fiction works rather than a religious text.  

So my next question is: Would adding informational texts about world 
religions add balance to having only one religion’s sacred text? I’m not 
trying to start a debate, just implement my collection development policy 
which dictates ‘varied’ perspectives. Any suggestions would be greatly 
appreciated.

I am posting my responses below:
*********
We have a Hebrew Bible, or Tanakh, published by the Jewish Publication 
Society. (The Tanakh includes the five books of the Torah, the prophetic 
books, and the other books of the Hebrew Bible, such as Psalms.) I think we 
bought it through Brodart, but you could also try the JPS website. We don't 
currently have a Koran, although I think we probably should.
*********
I don't have any religious books in my library, except for non-fiction books 
with information on the different religions.  Those were purchased from 
Follett Library Resources.  I also have up-to-date encyclopedia sets with 
the same type of information.  I don't think I'll purchase bibles or other 
what is considered sacred religious writings for any of the religions.  I'm 
not a strict don't-mix-public-school-with-religion type of person.  But then 
you must do what you're doing, have something representative from other 
religions.  Where do you stop adding things like that to your collection?  
After you have simply represented all your community's religions? The ones 
in your state? 
*********
Many denominations will give you one free if you ask. I'd suggest the  Book 
of Mormon and the Bhavagad Vita (sp?) for Hinudism.
*********
Nothing. We do have books about many religions, in part because we serve a 
diverse population, and in part because I feel it is necessary. I do not 
feel it a need in an elementary library to include a bible, torah, Talmud, 
Koran, or any other sacred text.  Do your students use the bibles you have?  
If so, then perhaps you should consider adding other religions.  Certainly 
informational books like the "I am a ..." series that has children of 
various religions talking about their faith is really helpful.
*********
I have a Torah and Koran. I also have religious stories from world faiths. 
*********
Thanks to everyone who responded.
Geneva Johnson, NBCT 2004
Library Media Specialist
Ator Heights Elementary
Owasso Public Schools
johnsong@owasso.k12.ok.us
 
"The limits of your language are the limits of your world."  -- Ludwig 
Wittgenstein

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