Reading decisions should be made by you

I am a retired librarian. I started my career as a children’s librarian and progressed to youth and literacy outreach services librarian for a 12-branch system. I have worked in and visited many, many libraries and I have to say that our library is truly one of the best I have ever seen for a community this size. We are very lucky to have it and such wonderful, committed staff.

Also in my career, I have been a staunch opponent of book banning since Judy Bloom’s “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret” was targeted, a book where the protagonist talks to God about early-adolescent anxieties. This book seems tame by most standards now, but today, just like when “Are You There God” was published, Susan Shea’s opponent wants to decide which books are harmful and restrict them based on her own personal values.

Only you can decide what books you should have access to, and only a parent can decide if their child should be reading “Are You There God” or any other books in our wonderful library.

Uphold your First Amendment rights and vote for Susan Shea for library trustee on May 16 and don’t let your or your family’s reading decisions be made by anyone but you.

JEANINE ASCHE

Sandpoint